A review of Dennis Espada's Dumdumon 2
by Randynell Pilares
We all love to look back. Not everyone would admit it, but that is simple truth.
People look back on the things that happened in their lives, whether good or bad. Perhaps it is a way for them to examine past actions, aided by the wisdom of hindsight. Or it could very well be an attempt to find something they have lost on the road to the present, this reality. Whatever it is, taking a look on things past gives them a better grasp of where they are right now. And it also allows them to somehow feel what lies ahead in the future.
In his independent, self-published non-fiction book titled Dumdumon 2 (released in October 2010), Dennis Espada perfectly captures the essence of looking back and what it truly means. One can say it is an autobiographical piece, stressing the author's teenage years from 1990 to 1994. That's indeed true, but to classify it simply as that would be a mistake because it is so much more. It is an encapsulation of the trails and travails that an introverted yet brilliant, male adolescent goes through in four years of high school. Experience his highs and lows—in school, at home, in his friendships, and even in his notion of romance.
While the book shows what a high school kid usually goes through, it is even more compelling because the reader is immersed in a specific time period: the early to mid-90's. Thus, one could easily get a feel of what was in vogue—from music to television shows, even the fashion at that time.
Readers get to know the author more personally, even intimately. He shares his feelings, the fears and longings he had, and the dreams he started to build during those years. Through a writing style which the author calls “naraysay” (“naratibong sanaysay” or in English, narrative essay), there is unmistakably a personal touch to the entire book, a touch that is evident from the very first page. It is a book that has made looking back more than a mere nostalgic trip.
Because looking back is all so bitter-sweet...and also cathartic.
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Randynell Pilares is a freelance writer from Calumpit, Bulacan.
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