• Source: In the Claws of Brightness

In the Claws of Brightness (Filipino: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag), is a 1986 Tagalog language novel written by Filipino author Edgardo M. Reyes, originally serialized in the weekly Liwayway magazine from 1967 to 1968. The title In the Claws of Brightness is a literal word-for-word translation of the Tagalog title, which as a phrase effectively makes little sense in English. A more practical English translation would be At the Verge of Dawn. The story became the basis for the award-winning Filipino film, Manila in the Claws of Light.




Summary


Julio, a poor fisherman, goes to Manila to search for his betrothed named Ligaya. Sometime before Julio's trip, Ligaya had left with a lady named Mrs. Cruz in order to study and work in the city. Now in Manila, Julio becomes a victim to some of the city's scums. Julio experiences abuses while working in a construction site. He eventually loses his job and desperately looks for a decent place where he can sleep. Slowly, Julio develops a cynical demeanor as he gradually loses hope of ever finding Ligaya.
All this is put on hold, however, when Julio finally reunites Ligaya, and learns from her that she is a victim of sex trafficking. Julio and Ligaya plan to escape.




Film adaptation


The 1975 adaptation of the book entitled Manila in the Claws of Light was directed by award-winning director Lino Brocka. The script was written by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr. Jose Capino, writing for Criterion, noted that the film was met with "charges of anti-Chinese racism from reviewers."




Translation


The book had been translated into Japanese by Motoe Terami-Wada. The novel, retitled as Manila: Hikaru Tsume (マニラ : 光る爪) had become a bestselling book in Japan.




See also


Satanas sa Lupa




References






External links


Excerpt of Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag by Edgardo M. Reyes from Panitikan sa Pilipinas (Literature in the Philippines)] (Tagalog) at books.google.com

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• In the Claws of Brightness
• Manila in the Claws of Light
• List of Tagalog literary works
• The Iron Claw (film)
• Lino Brocka
• Lobster
• Claws (song)
• Yuebeipotamon
• Tubuca flammula
• Mantis shrimp