66 pages • 2 hours read
Jessica HagedornDogeaters
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn intricately depicts Manila in the 1950s, presenting an ensemble of diverse characters like Rio Gonzaga, Joey Sands, and Daisy Avila whose lives intersect amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, social disparity, and cultural identity struggles. The novel explores themes of colonization, oppression, class conflicts, and personal aspirations against the historical and societal complexities of the Philippines. The book features depictions of graphic sexual violence, suicidal ideation, and other sensitive topics.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jessica Hagedorn's Dogeaters has been praised for its vivid depiction of Philippine society, blending melodrama, political commentary, and multifaceted characters. Critics admire its innovative narrative structure and rich, vibrant prose. Some, however, find the fragmentation and dense cultural references challenging. Overall, it is celebrated for its bold storytelling and cultural depth.
Who Should Read Dogeaters?
Readers who enjoy Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn likely appreciate multilayered narratives exploring post-colonial society, such as in Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. They are drawn to rich, complex portrayals of cultural identity, politics, and history.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
860L