I promised myself to read all the books I bought from last year's book fairs (and even from the year previous that) and decided to start with those written by women (yes, I just started this month). And so I immersed myself in the world of Sa Kalye Mailap, a Tagalog romance novel by Ana Digi. Published in 2023, the book has garnered love for its heartfelt storytelling, and I was fortunate enough to get my copy signed by the author at the MIBF 2024. Meeting Ana Digi in person made the reading experience even more special.


What is it about?

Sa Kalye Mailap explores the intertwined lives of Robert and Lisa, two twenty-somethings thrust into unexpected circumstances that lead them to live as a couple. Rooted in the close ties between their families, the narrative unfolds with a focus on personal growth, familial bonds, and self-discovery.

The plot follows Lisa and Robert, who have been childhood neighbors and whose fathers share a deep friendship. After the loss of their mothers, both families were left to live life with their own scars and struggles. When Lisa finds herself in a predicament requiring Robert's help, their fathers step in with a suggestion that alters the course of their lives. Thus begins a story of sacrifice, understanding, and the complexities of love.

What I like about it

What makes the book stand out are its themes and life lessons. The book reminds us that every decision we make carries consequences, and it stresses the importance of staying true to ourselves rather than succumbing to external pressures. This is a narrative that encourages introspection and self-reliance.

Ana Digi’s writing style carries a sense of nostalgia for me. It brought back memories of sneaking into my elder cousin's stash of Precious Hearts Romances novels during my childhood, exchanging afternoon naps for stolen moments of reading. The slow pacing allowed me to savor every step of the protagonists' journey, though some awkward dialogues may require a second reading.

The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of growth—particularly in Robert's character. His efforts to process his feelings for Lisa and ensure they are genuine resonate deeply. While Lisa experiences her own transformation as she steps into motherhood, Robert's quiet and thoughtful approach to their situation left the strongest impression on me. The overall tone of the book is calm and reflective, reminiscent of the quiet charm I have learned to love about Japanese literature. 

Parts I didn't like... (sorry 😭)

Just like other books I've read before, the story isn’t without its flaws. At times, the supporting characters, especially the fathers, felt underdeveloped. Their personalities blurred together, which made it challenging to distinguish their individual roles. Additionally, the introduction of an unexpected twist late in the plot felt abrupt and lacked foreshadowing, which diminished its impact.

Despite these shortcomings, Sa Kalye Mailap is a worthwhile read. While I don’t consider myself the target audience for this kind of story, I appreciated the chance to journey through its pages. Some decisions made by the characters left me conflicted, but I guess that’s the beauty of fiction—it challenges our perspectives and establishes growth.

Should you read it?

If you’re someone who enjoys tranquil, introspective stories with a touch of nostalgia, this book is for you. It’s a perfect companion for a quiet afternoon, offering a slice of life that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking. 

Get your copies here.