Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H.

Batacan
A Book Review by Larabelle Falsia
11-Gas C

Smaller and Smaller Circles is a crime-mystery fiction novel created by F.H. Batacan. The author is a
Filipino Journalist and a University of the Philippines Diliman graduate. The novel was published in
2002 by the University of the Philippines Press. The book won the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award
for Literature Grand Prize for the English novel back in 1999. It was also adapted as a movie in the
same title in 2017 starring Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero. The plot centers on two Jesuit priests
who are also accomplished forensic anthropologists, Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome Lucero.
They are asked to investigate gruesome deaths involving young boys from Manila's underprivileged
slums.

The story is set in Manila, Philippines, a large and poor metropolitan location. It follows two Jesuit priests
who are also forensic anthropologists, Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome Lucero. They are assigned
to look into a string of gruesome murders of young boys in the slums. The victims were murdered,
disfigured, and abandoned in numerous areas, depicting the city's terrible reality of socioeconomic
injustice and crimes. The priests face various challenges as the investigation proceeds, including a
shortage of resources, bureaucratic red tape, and social indifference. To solve the murder mystery, they
must cross a labyrinth of corruption, political intervention, and personal problems.

F.H. Batacan's "Smaller and Smaller Circles" is a thought-provoking and powerful crime fiction that
dives into the dark underbelly of Philippine culture. It is a pioneer in Filipino crime fiction, blending a
compelling murder mystery with a piercing examination of societal concerns. The story deftly ties
together themes of poverty, corruption, and the quest for justice against the background of Manila's
huge slums. The novel takes readers on a trip packed with intrigue, corruption, and the complexity of
human nature, as seen through the eyes of two Catholic priests, Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome
Lucero, who possess a rare mix of forensic knowledge and unflinching resolve. "Smaller and Smaller
Circles" is a riveting and poignant book because of Batacan's brilliant narrative, thorough attention to
detail, and realistic representation of social difficulties.

It's an intriguing yet slow-paced book. Because it is an English book, I had difficulty reading and
comprehending some of the words. Despite that, it effectively expresses its message. According to
reports, Batacan wrote the book as a result of her frustration with our country's injustices.

This book delves deep into the complexities of Filipino society, discussing topics such as the struggle
against corruption and poverty as well as the desire for justice.

Manila's slums showed poverty and oppression. Poverty causes criminality, despair, and vulnerability;
Corruption, The novel shows police and government corruption. Corruption permits criminals to escape
prosecution; The slums and the privileged show Philippine socioeconomic disparities. The book
examines how money and privilege impact justice and systemic injustice; Fathers Saenz and Lucero
battle bureaucracy and red tape in solving crimes. Bureaucracy hinders law enforcement and
justice; Apathy and indifference highlight society's disrespect towards the poor. It reveals society's
ignorance, which worsens social problems. "Smaller and Smaller Circles" urges readers to think
about change, justice, and compassion in the Philippines.

This is a well-crafted crime-mystery novel that exposes injustices in society. If you like reading slow-
paced stories, this is the book for you. Just be aware that this book contains some gruesome parts,
and if you dislike gore, do not read it.

Many events in our culture now mirror those described in the book. However, we should always be
prepared to help and take action on such issues. Instead of adding to the issue, we need to help fix it.
Always remember this quote from this story, “We are all powerless in the face of evil. No, no, that's not
true. We are powerless when we wait for other people to act on our behalf. Yes, that's it. The truly
powerful man is the man who stands alone.”