We Belong

An extraordinarily beautiful novel-in-verse this important debut weaves a dramatic immigrant story together with Pilipino mythology to create something wholly new.. Stella and Luna know that their mama Elsie came from the Philippines when she was a child but they don''t know much else. So one night they ask her to tell them her story. As they get ready for bed their mama spins two tales: that of her youth as a strong-willed middle child and immigrant; and that of the young life of Mayari the mythical daughter of a god. Both are tales of sisterhood and motherhood and of the difficult experience of trying to fit into a new culture and having to fight for a home and acceptance. Glorious and layered this is a portrait of family and strength for the ages.