The Manila Sound Machine by Danna Rose has reacquainted me with Filipino music from the 1970s. The author has ingeniously included a Spotify playlist containing the songs that she featured at the beginning of each chapter. It was such a mood, I must say. The songs alone have given me enough feels to power through her latest novel amidst rainy weather.
The novel’s protagonist, Annee, is a curious and loveable character. I saw myself in her because I also love music, vintage objects, and adventure. She is also an old soul.
The novel has her recounting events before and after the dream, which takes the reader from 2012 to 1977 Manila. I personally found the two timelines charming because 2012 was the height of my corporate career, and 1977 was when my parents were prominent in their respective jobs. Reading the novel felt like eavesdropping on my own family’s adventures, and the 2012 bit was like being back in my office uniform. The author has the ability to make different timelines relatable and sentimental without being suffocating.
It was quite a trip.
From requesting songs on the radio to having a Miguel in your life, this book felt like it was written for someone like me. I used to request songs on the radio too, and yes, I have a penchant for guys named Miguel. Maybe I am a little too similar to Annee for comfort.
The Manila that the author took me to in 1977 did seem simpler, even if there was Martial Law. It was a welcome reprieve from my own stressful reality, and I would like to commend her for writing this vacation novel. I have a feeling she will enjoy listening to contemporary Manila Sound singer, Shanne Dandan.
The Manila Sound Machine by Danna Rose is now available!