LIMONG, Maricel C.

November 04, 2019

12 - Perseverance
Reaction Paper
Main Characters:
- Dr. Gerald McAllister
- Dr. Jaime Laurel
- Agustina
- The Mayor and his Wife
Setting of the story:
- Ubec: the fictional parallel of Cebu
Events:
- One of those who went to the ‘islands’ who ended up in Ubec was a New York
Doctor and a widower, Gerald McAllister. As the Public Health Director of Ubec, he
carries on his duties of establishing a vaccination program to stop a cholera epidemic. His
initial meeting of the beautiful and sensual widow, Agustina Macaraeg, disturbs and
irritates the doctor. It is his assistants, Dr. Jamie Laurel, who reminds him that life is
more than work. It is Agustina Macaraeg who eventually teaches Gerald McAllister to
love and live once more.
Reflection:
Woman with Horns by Cecilia Menguerra Brainard is a fascinating read that gives the
reader a taste of so many different thoughts that it’s hard to know where to begin or end. It
definitely serves as a solid historical fiction read and a great introduction to Filipino literature
(not something I personally have much experience in). I wish we got to spend more time with
Agustina, but I definitely appreciate the story we get here. I would definitely read more from the
author, and I would recommend the story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or explorations
of grief in literature.
I think that the story was brilliant. It depicted so much of the Filipino culture. Just like
how we believe in mythical creatures and how Filipinos are fond of gossiping about their
neighbors. Women were also depicted as carefree people in the story. Women as persons who
would be able to comfort others and be able to restore other peoples “lost soul” or “lost
personality”. It was a short story yet it was full of meaning.