Patron Saints of Nothing

Title: Patron Saints of Nothing

Author: Randy Ribay

Narrator: Ramón de Ocampo

Publication Date: June 18, 2019

Audiobook Release Date: June 18, 2019

Introduction:

“Patron Saints of Nothing,” written by Randy Ribay and masterfully narrated by Ramón de Ocampo, is a powerful and thought-provoking audiobook that explores themes of identity, family, justice, and the impact of history. This young adult novel, published in 2019, follows the journey of Jay Reguero, a Filipino-American teenager, as he embarks on a quest for answers and self-discovery. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the plot, characters, narration, themes, and the overall reception of “Patron Saints of Nothing.”

Plot Summary:

“Patron Saints of Nothing” introduces listeners to Jay Reguero, a Filipino-American high school senior living in the United States. Jay’s life takes an unexpected turn when he receives news of his cousin Jun’s death in the Philippines. Although they were once close, Jay hasn’t spoken to Jun in years. Troubled by the lack of details surrounding Jun’s passing and burdened by guilt for not keeping in touch, Jay decides to travel to the Philippines during his summer break to uncover the truth about what happened to his cousin.

Upon arriving in Manila, Jay quickly realizes that his understanding of the Philippines is limited, and he feels like a stranger in his own homeland. He reconnects with family members, including his Tita Ines and Tito Maning, who have their own complicated feelings about Jun’s death. Jay’s pursuit of answers leads him to the impoverished and dangerous areas of the country, where he uncovers unsettling truths about the government’s brutal war on drugs and its impact on the Filipino people.

As Jay investigates Jun’s life and death, he also grapples with his own identity as a Filipino-American. He questions his cultural roots, the choices he’s made, and his responsibility to his heritage. His journey of self-discovery becomes intertwined with his quest for justice for Jun and the countless victims of the drug war.

Throughout the audiobook, listeners are taken on a poignant and gripping journey that explores themes of family, loss, guilt, and the search for one’s place in the world. The story is marked by unexpected twists, emotional depth, and a powerful narrative that sheds light on the complexities of modern-day Philippines and the experiences of Filipino-Americans.

Randy Ribay’s writing in “Patron Saints of Nothing” is characterized by its authenticity, vivid descriptions, and exploration of profound social and cultural issues. The audiobook not only tells a compelling story but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own identities and the impact of their choices.

Characters:

“Patron Saints of Nothing” features a diverse and well-developed cast of characters who contribute to the audiobook’s emotional resonance and thematic depth:

1. Jay Reguero: The audiobook’s protagonist, Jay, is a Filipino-American teenager grappling with questions about identity, family, and justice. His journey of self-discovery and quest for the truth drives the narrative.
2. Jun Reguero: Jay’s cousin, whose mysterious death serves as the catalyst for the audiobook’s events. Jun’s memory and the secrets surrounding his life and death play a central role in the story.
3. Tita Ines: Jay’s aunt and Jun’s mother, Tita Ines harbors her own grief and regrets. Her complex relationship with Jay and her desire for answers add depth to the family dynamics.
4. Tito Maning: Jay’s uncle and Tita Ines’s husband, Tito Maning’s perspective on Jun’s death and his interactions with Jay offer insights into the family’s history and struggles.
5. Mia: A Filipino-American classmate of Jay’s who helps him connect with his cultural heritage and serves as a source of support and understanding.
6. Tsino: A street kid in the Philippines who becomes an unexpected ally to Jay during his investigation.
7. Ninoy: A Filipino journalist who provides Jay with valuable information about the drug war and its impact on the country.

The characters’ journeys and relationships are at the heart of “Patron Saints of Nothing.” As they grapple with their own experiences, guilt, and perspectives, listeners are drawn into a complex web of emotions and connections.

Narration and Audio Production:

Ramón de Ocampo’s narration of “Patron Saints of Nothing” is a standout feature of the audiobook. His performance adds depth and authenticity to the story in several significant ways:

Character Voices: De Ocampo skillfully provides distinct voices and accents for each character, bringing them to life and allowing listeners to easily identify them. His portrayal of Jay’s introspection, Tita Ines’s grief, and the street kid Tsino’s vulnerability adds emotional depth to the narrative.

Emotional Delivery: De Ocampo effectively conveys the characters’ emotions, capturing the turmoil, anger, sadness, and hope that they experience throughout the story.

Pacing and Intensity: The pacing of De Ocampo’s narration mirrors the ebb and flow of the story’s intensity. Whether it’s a poignant moment of self-discovery or a heart-pounding revelation, his narration keeps listeners engaged and emotionally invested.

Consistency: De Ocampo maintains consistent character voices and tone throughout the audiobook, ensuring a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

The quality of audio production, including sound clarity and background noise control, meets the high standards expected in audiobooks. Ramón de Ocampo’s narration enhances the story’s atmosphere, making “Patron Saints of Nothing” a compelling and emotionally resonant audiobook that fully immerses listeners in the world of the Philippines and its diaspora.

Themes and Style:

“Patron Saints of Nothing” explores a wide range of themes that resonate with listeners:

Identity and Belonging: The audiobook delves into questions of cultural identity, the complexities of being a Filipino-American, and the struggle to reconcile one’s heritage with personal choices.

Family and Relationships: Family dynamics, including the bonds between parents and children, aunts and uncles, and cousins, play a significant role in the story. The audiobook examines how relationships are tested and transformed by secrets and loss.

Justice and Injustice: “Patron Saints of Nothing” sheds light on the brutal realities of the Philippine drug war and its impact on individuals and communities. It also explores the pursuit of justice, both on a personal and societal level.

Guilt and Redemption: Characters in the audiobook grapple with guilt over past actions and decisions. Their journeys toward redemption and reconciliation are central to the narrative.

Cultural Exploration: The audiobook offers listeners a rich exploration of Filipino culture, traditions, and history, providing insight into the country’s diverse society and its challenges.

Randy Ribay’s writing style in “Patron Saints of Nothing” is marked by its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions, and a narrative that alternates between introspective and heart-pounding moments. His storytelling is characterized by its empathy and sensitivity to the experiences of Filipino-Americans and the Filipino people.

Reception and Audience:

Understanding how “Patron Saints of Nothing” has been received by readers and listeners can provide insights into its appeal and impact. Critical reviews, reader or listener ratings, and discussions among fans offer diverse perspectives on the audiobook.

“Patron Saints of Nothing” has received critical acclaim and resonated with both young adult and adult audiences. Its exploration of complex themes, authentic representation of Filipino culture, and emotionally resonant storytelling have earned praise from readers and listeners alike. The audiobook has also sparked important conversations about social justice and cultural identity.

Conclusion:

“Patron Saints of Nothing” is a compelling and thought-provoking audiobook that explores themes of identity, family, justice, and the impact of history. Randy Ribay’s poignant storytelling, combined with Ramón de Ocampo’s masterful narration, creates an immersive and emotionally resonant listening experience.

Whether you are a young adult looking for a relatable and powerful story or an adult listener interested in exploring themes of cultural identity and social justice, “Patron Saints of Nothing” offers a compelling journey that lingers in the mind and heart long after the audiobook has ended. It serves as a testament to the power of literature to illuminate important issues and foster empathy and understanding across cultures and backgrounds.