John Jack G. Wigley shines with his trademark wit, unique insight, and irrepressible humor in his debut collection of creative non-fiction narratives, “Falling into the Manhole: A Memoir” (UST Publishing House, 2012).
Though Wigley is better known as an academic, and one who is well-versed in the language of literary theory—having taught literature and theory classes for 15 years at the University of Santo Tomas, where he recently earned his doctorate in literature—he delights in this memoir where he reconstructs scenes from his boyhood well into adulthood.
From reminiscences of growing up poor, biracial, and illegitimate in 1970s Angeles City, becoming self-sufficient at the age of 16, and heading to Manila armed only with his wits, unflagging determination, and sense of humor, Wigley’s narratives, while delightfully entertaining and disarmingly straightforward, are also honest, candid and reflective.
As prize-winning author and academic Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo notes in her introduction,
“Wigley’s debut collection of nonfiction narratives reveal “a complex mind, keenly aware of the many ironies of his duality and hybridity… and offers a portrait of marginalization that is sensibly nuanced.”
“Falling into the Manhole: A Memoir” is available in all National Book Store branches and the UST Publishing House bookstore, Beato Angelico Building, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. Call 7313522 or 4061611 local 8424.
