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When the Rainbow Goddess Wept
Set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard's brilliant novel weaves myth and legend together with the suffering and tragedies of the Filipino people. When nine-year-old Yvonne flees with her family into the jungle to join the resistance effort, she witnesses death and destruction on an almost unimaginable scale.
In the face of terror and despair, she finds comfort in the stories her people have passed down over generations. In particular, the legends of Bongkatolan, the Woman Warrior, and the merciful rainbow goddess offer her strength and hope. Yvonne becomes determined to preserve these ancient legends and to give voice to the epic she herself is living.
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept is an exploration of the collective wounding of the Filipino people and their heroic response. It shows us the Philippines through an insider's eyes and brings to American audiences an unusual reading experience about a world that is utterly foreign and a child who is touchingly universal.
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was born in Cebu City, Philippines. Her published works include Woman with Horns and Other Stories and Philippine Woman in America. She is also the editor of the anthology Fiction by Filipinos in America and teaches creative writing at the Writers' Program of UCLA Extension.
In the face of terror and despair, she finds comfort in the stories her people have passed down over generations. In particular, the legends of Bongkatolan, the Woman Warrior, and the merciful rainbow goddess offer her strength and hope. Yvonne becomes determined to preserve these ancient legends and to give voice to the epic she herself is living.
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept is an exploration of the collective wounding of the Filipino people and their heroic response. It shows us the Philippines through an insider's eyes and brings to American audiences an unusual reading experience about a world that is utterly foreign and a child who is touchingly universal.
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was born in Cebu City, Philippines. Her published works include Woman with Horns and Other Stories and Philippine Woman in America. She is also the editor of the anthology Fiction by Filipinos in America and teaches creative writing at the Writers' Program of UCLA Extension.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
39 books48 followersCecilia Manguerra Brainard is an award-winning author and editor of over twenty books. She has written three novels: WHEN THE RAINBOW GODDESS WEPT, MAGDALENA, and THE NEWSPAPER WIDOW. Her SELECTED SHORT STORIES BY CECILIA MANGUERRA BRAINARD won the 40th National Book Award and the Cirilo F. Bautista Prize.
She has taught at UCLA, USC, the California State Summer School for the Arts, and the Writers Program at USCL Extension. She has served as an Executive Board Member and Officer of PEN, PAAWWW (Pacific Asian American Women Writers West), Arts & Letters at the Cal State University LA, PAWWA (Philippine American Writers and Artists), among others.
She also founded Philippine American Literary House.
(Source Wikipedia)
She has taught at UCLA, USC, the California State Summer School for the Arts, and the Writers Program at USCL Extension. She has served as an Executive Board Member and Officer of PEN, PAAWWW (Pacific Asian American Women Writers West), Arts & Letters at the Cal State University LA, PAWWA (Philippine American Writers and Artists), among others.
She also founded Philippine American Literary House.
(Source Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 24, 2011
This book has changed my life, it really has. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about life in the Philippines during the second world war. It lent me a lens with which to understand my own family history.
December 19, 2010
Booklist, Sept 1, 1994 v91 n1 p22(1)
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept. (book reviews) Kathleen Hughes.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 1994 American Library Association
Yvonne Macairag is a nine-year-old living in the Philippines during World War II. She plays contentedly with her cousin, Esperanza, and spends quiet evenings on the veranda with her grandfather. Her family life is idyllic. All of this is lost when the Japanese invade the Philippines. Yvonne flees to the jungle, where her father joins the resistance movement, the guerilleros. Life is hard in the jungle, and Yvonne is often exposed to the atrocities perpetrated by the Japanese soldiers. As the child encounters scenes of wartime horror, she remembers and recites the epic stories of her ancestors. She uses the ancient fables to bolster her courage and to help herself cope with the horrors of the war. Overwhelmed by the superior Japanese firepower, the guerilleros hope the American soldiers will arrive and assist in expelling the Japanese. The American soldiers eventually do, but not before the guerilleros realize that ultimately Filipinos are responsible for the destiny of the Philippines. Like the epic legends, this story tells the tale of the essential courage and wisdom of the Filipinos. A beautifully written novel in which the words flow smoothly across the pages, weaving a story that is half lyrical myth and half brutal reality. Enchanting throughout, this novel will mesmerize the reader right up until its victorious ending.
Review Grade: A
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept. (book reviews) Kathleen Hughes.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 1994 American Library Association
Yvonne Macairag is a nine-year-old living in the Philippines during World War II. She plays contentedly with her cousin, Esperanza, and spends quiet evenings on the veranda with her grandfather. Her family life is idyllic. All of this is lost when the Japanese invade the Philippines. Yvonne flees to the jungle, where her father joins the resistance movement, the guerilleros. Life is hard in the jungle, and Yvonne is often exposed to the atrocities perpetrated by the Japanese soldiers. As the child encounters scenes of wartime horror, she remembers and recites the epic stories of her ancestors. She uses the ancient fables to bolster her courage and to help herself cope with the horrors of the war. Overwhelmed by the superior Japanese firepower, the guerilleros hope the American soldiers will arrive and assist in expelling the Japanese. The American soldiers eventually do, but not before the guerilleros realize that ultimately Filipinos are responsible for the destiny of the Philippines. Like the epic legends, this story tells the tale of the essential courage and wisdom of the Filipinos. A beautifully written novel in which the words flow smoothly across the pages, weaving a story that is half lyrical myth and half brutal reality. Enchanting throughout, this novel will mesmerize the reader right up until its victorious ending.
Review Grade: A
May 26, 2010
An interesting mix of coming of age story, historical fiction, and Filipino mythology, as well as a significant dose of the remembrance of American activities, including the brutal fight against native forces during our take over of the country. But here, during WWII, and despite bad feelings of many, the U.S. and Filipino forces ally against the hated Japanese. Told through the eyes of a young daughter of an engineering professor (educated in the U.S.), it reveals some of the trial experienced by resistance to the Japanese. A heavy dose of Filipino culture is included. It is a decent story, though with some unneeded digressions and repetitiveness, and it does not quite reach a level of intensity that may have made it even better. The Philippines suffered greatly during the occupation, as it has repeatedly since the arrival of westerners (and probably even earlier), but they have always resisted. I think most Americans know little of the adversarial, as well as often united, relationship between our country, which I think is still strong.
November 23, 2013
Recommended by: Amazon.com BEST PHILIPPINE FICTION List
Although this book is written about an intense time during Philippine history, the writing style failed to match the period. Again as with all the Filipino authors I've read, the writing was dry, unimaginative, and boring. I am comparing styles with Indian authors who have struggled just as much if not more and have as rich a history as the Philippines. I don't understand why I have not found a Filipino author that matches my taste. Perhaps I should lower my expectations. -- eps, 10/15/04
October 26, 2014
Touching account of the coming of age of a young girl living in the Philippine Islands during the second World War. Mixing historical events and the legends and mythology of the islands, this book was graphic in its reality, but also maintained a mystical quality by retelling many of the oral legends passed down from generation to generation. Good read!
June 4, 2015
My first ever filipino based book i ever read very swag swag swag swag swag swag swag swag swag
April 16, 2010
I really liked this book. Set in 1941 Phillipines, the story is told by "nine year old Yvonne who flees with her family into the jungle to join the resistance effort". The story follows the family and friends until the ending of the war. Yvonne is the one who is determined to preserve the ancient legends of the Filipinos, one of whom is the merciful Rainbow Goddess.
Life becomes very difficult under the Japanese. Many Filipinos are killed, including family members and friends There are no outsiders to help them until late in the war, at which time many of Yvonne's friends and relatives have been killed by the Japanese. Food is scarce and life is hard but the stories passed down over generations give her comfort.
The Filipino people were without help for most of the war and suffered many, many deaths of their people but they never gave up even with much loss of life.
Life becomes very difficult under the Japanese. Many Filipinos are killed, including family members and friends There are no outsiders to help them until late in the war, at which time many of Yvonne's friends and relatives have been killed by the Japanese. Food is scarce and life is hard but the stories passed down over generations give her comfort.
The Filipino people were without help for most of the war and suffered many, many deaths of their people but they never gave up even with much loss of life.
November 6, 2007
This isn't the most literary or mind-blowing book I've read, but the author has succeeded at painting a realistic yet poignant picture of the Philippines during the WWII occupation by the Japanese that made me better understand why my relatives who lived through the war may behave the way they do, even now, in this country. By using the character of Yvonne, a pre-adolescent girl who grows to young womanhood during the course of the book, as her protagonist, Manguerra-Brainerd is able to give us a glimpse of the atrocities committed by the Japanese on the Filipino people without being blood-and-guts sensationalist, while at the same time allowing us to feel compassion for the 'enemy' in a way that isn't sentimental, just human and compassionate. A good book and a satisfying read.
August 2, 2007
Quick read. I thought this book would focus more on Filipino folklore but as I read on I found out that this book was more of a narrative of a family joining the guerillas against the Japanese during World War II. I liked Holthe's "When the Elephants Dance" more for this reason. I don't think the author was as talented in presenting Filipino folklore in such colorful language as Holthe did. Overall, a little disappointed.
October 24, 2008
The story takes place in words of a young girl next to her cousin and best friend. Together they survive through the wars and fighting and bombing. Yvonne comes at the beginning of the age, while under the supervision of Laydan, the oldest woman who they knew and understood, crimson to the understanding of life. This story has a complete turn of events the exchange of experiences and stories about epics and the ongoing war.
April 18, 2016
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was an amazing read which depicts the events of the Japanese invasion of 1941. Yvonne experienced war for the first time help to shape her as a character and understand the imporantce of the events that conclude; story are meant to be told and shared.
October 18, 2008
Powerful fictional story from a 10 year old Filipina's perspective during WWII Japanese occupation of the Philippines. With traumatic events surrounding her, Young Yvonne comforts herself with empowering Filipino mythological stories told to her by her housemaid.
July 14, 2013
This was a necessary read for school. I'd have to say that it was an okay read. Not the most interesting book, but it could be way worse. However if there was a sequel where Yvonne (the heroine) is a teen, id totally read it.
June 16, 2014
Manguerra Brainard paints a vivid picture of the Philippine provinces during the Japanese invasion of WWII. A very beautiful tale of how a young girl becomes a woman while her country is at war.
September 3, 2026
Não acho que a inspiração seja o realismo mágico, mas tems algo neste estilo. Uma história que se mistura com a mitologia local.
O cenário de fundo é a segunda guerra mundial, em especial o conflito Japão-Filipinas-EUA. Seguindo este pano de fundo o livro parece tentar nos conduzir à alma filipina. E, principalmente, ao entendimento dela como um espírito de resistência. Tanto nas figuras mitológicas (homens e mulheres guerreiros, dispostos a enfrentar o que fosse necessário), quanto em gerações antigas (e aqui é contado sobre a guerra Espanha-EUA-Filipinas) e porfim a nova geração (que montou uma guerrilha de resistência contra a ocupação japonesa). Esse espírito de resistência, essa alma filipina, é algo construido pelas memórias. E isso é lindamente representado enquanto acompanhamos uma jovem que é extremamente atenta à própria cultura e aos eventos ao seu redor.
Gostei muito quando a história parava e íamos aos mitos. Os mitos que se preservam passados oralmente, convivendo mesmo após a imposição cultural do cristianismo. Vemos que o sincretismo é natural aqui, a mesma jovem segue preceitos cristãos e "pagãos". Deste modo o livro acaba sendo uma ode à preservação da memória do povo, pois é preservando essas histórias que você mantém vivos seus antepassados. Preservar os mitos, preservar as histórias da guerra Espanha-EUA-Filipinas, já tão distantes naquele momento, preservar a história da guerra Japão-EUA-Filipinas para transmiti-la ao futuro.
Essa coisa de transmitir a alma do povo como um espírito de resistência me lembrou um pouco "O general do exército morto", que também busca algo do tipo. Mas lá ele é mais "pé no chão", um realismo mais cru.
Vários outros tópicos são abordados ao longo do livro:
- O luto e a normalização da tragédia. Que é algo comum em uma literatura de guerra, e aqui é feito de modo bem interessante. Várias coisas pesadas são descritas, mas a autora não escreveu para chocar - não inventa um sensacionalismo barato -, ela escreve pois ocorreu. Ou seja, não caimos aqui naquela coisa terrível que alguns autores fazem de buscar chocar o leitor descrevendo detalhadamente um estupro. Sabemos que coisas terríveis acontecem, mas não precisamos dar um enfoque tão grande.
- A desumanição e humanização do outro na guerra. Vemos tanto a descrição dos japoneses como monstros nazifascistas (e eram mesmo), quanto vemos a apresentação de que do outro lado temos também uma pessoa, que pode ter uma família esperando em casa. Aqui eu associo muito essa leitura, em que vemos os japoneses truculentos nas Filipinas, com o filme Tumulo dos Vagalumes, em que vemos a família que espera o pai que foi à guerra. Devemos lembrar aqui que no Túmulo dos Vagalumes o pai das crianças foi lutar exatamente no cruzador Maya, que afundou em 1944 na Batalha do Golpe de Leyte, nas Filipinas. Isso dá uma dimensão extra à reflexão pela pela garota neste livro.
- A percepção de que os estadunidentes não são confiáveis. Ou, generalizando, que talvez nenhum povo que não o seu próprio é confiavel. Pois cada povo estará primeiro pensando na própria nação. Assim, é necessário lutar por seus próprios ideais, sem esperar pela ajuda externa.
O cenário de fundo é a segunda guerra mundial, em especial o conflito Japão-Filipinas-EUA. Seguindo este pano de fundo o livro parece tentar nos conduzir à alma filipina. E, principalmente, ao entendimento dela como um espírito de resistência. Tanto nas figuras mitológicas (homens e mulheres guerreiros, dispostos a enfrentar o que fosse necessário), quanto em gerações antigas (e aqui é contado sobre a guerra Espanha-EUA-Filipinas) e porfim a nova geração (que montou uma guerrilha de resistência contra a ocupação japonesa). Esse espírito de resistência, essa alma filipina, é algo construido pelas memórias. E isso é lindamente representado enquanto acompanhamos uma jovem que é extremamente atenta à própria cultura e aos eventos ao seu redor.
Gostei muito quando a história parava e íamos aos mitos. Os mitos que se preservam passados oralmente, convivendo mesmo após a imposição cultural do cristianismo. Vemos que o sincretismo é natural aqui, a mesma jovem segue preceitos cristãos e "pagãos". Deste modo o livro acaba sendo uma ode à preservação da memória do povo, pois é preservando essas histórias que você mantém vivos seus antepassados. Preservar os mitos, preservar as histórias da guerra Espanha-EUA-Filipinas, já tão distantes naquele momento, preservar a história da guerra Japão-EUA-Filipinas para transmiti-la ao futuro.
Essa coisa de transmitir a alma do povo como um espírito de resistência me lembrou um pouco "O general do exército morto", que também busca algo do tipo. Mas lá ele é mais "pé no chão", um realismo mais cru.
Vários outros tópicos são abordados ao longo do livro:
- O luto e a normalização da tragédia. Que é algo comum em uma literatura de guerra, e aqui é feito de modo bem interessante. Várias coisas pesadas são descritas, mas a autora não escreveu para chocar - não inventa um sensacionalismo barato -, ela escreve pois ocorreu. Ou seja, não caimos aqui naquela coisa terrível que alguns autores fazem de buscar chocar o leitor descrevendo detalhadamente um estupro. Sabemos que coisas terríveis acontecem, mas não precisamos dar um enfoque tão grande.
- A desumanição e humanização do outro na guerra. Vemos tanto a descrição dos japoneses como monstros nazifascistas (e eram mesmo), quanto vemos a apresentação de que do outro lado temos também uma pessoa, que pode ter uma família esperando em casa. Aqui eu associo muito essa leitura, em que vemos os japoneses truculentos nas Filipinas, com o filme Tumulo dos Vagalumes, em que vemos a família que espera o pai que foi à guerra. Devemos lembrar aqui que no Túmulo dos Vagalumes o pai das crianças foi lutar exatamente no cruzador Maya, que afundou em 1944 na Batalha do Golpe de Leyte, nas Filipinas. Isso dá uma dimensão extra à reflexão pela pela garota neste livro.
- A percepção de que os estadunidentes não são confiáveis. Ou, generalizando, que talvez nenhum povo que não o seu próprio é confiavel. Pois cada povo estará primeiro pensando na própria nação. Assim, é necessário lutar por seus próprios ideais, sem esperar pela ajuda externa.
February 12, 2024
The Rainbow Goddess is an allusion to a figure in Philippine native mythology, which is used as a device to break the narrative of cold harsh reality by something fanciful that provided escape during the worst of times. This book seems to be at least semi-autobiographical, although the protaganist is Yvonne Macareig, daughter of an American-trained Filipino engineer who joined the guierello resistant efforts of Filipinos against the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II. Yvonne's family hailed from Ubec City, the inverse of Cebu from where the author hails.
The story depicts normal life prior to invasion by Japan, and then the ensuing horrors of war witnessed by young Yvonne and her contemporaries. She saw death all around her, cruelty, depravity, poverty, and even expected the worst when her father went missing for weeks on end during a mission in which he and the local governor intended to release a Japanese official to appease the enemy and prevent further killings of innocent civilians.
I am new to Filipino literature and enjoyed learning of local life circa 1941. Yvonne's father taught her that all people are basically the same notwithstanding cultural differences, and this account mostly bears that out. Sadly, people being human also tends to mean tribalism that when taken to extremes elevates one group to the harm of another.
With each book I read about World Wars I and II I gain new insight into the period of liberalism, at least among the Western world, following those wars and during the Cold War. Sadly, there seems to be signs of regression as militant leftist in the current era increasingly encourage tribalism through efforts ironically names "diversity, equity, and inclusion," which are having the unfortunate effects of preferring some groups over others in the name of righting past wrongs, pitting people against one another based on such immutable characteristics as skin color and gender. If history is any indication, the results we may expect if these developments continue are not great.
The story depicts normal life prior to invasion by Japan, and then the ensuing horrors of war witnessed by young Yvonne and her contemporaries. She saw death all around her, cruelty, depravity, poverty, and even expected the worst when her father went missing for weeks on end during a mission in which he and the local governor intended to release a Japanese official to appease the enemy and prevent further killings of innocent civilians.
I am new to Filipino literature and enjoyed learning of local life circa 1941. Yvonne's father taught her that all people are basically the same notwithstanding cultural differences, and this account mostly bears that out. Sadly, people being human also tends to mean tribalism that when taken to extremes elevates one group to the harm of another.
With each book I read about World Wars I and II I gain new insight into the period of liberalism, at least among the Western world, following those wars and during the Cold War. Sadly, there seems to be signs of regression as militant leftist in the current era increasingly encourage tribalism through efforts ironically names "diversity, equity, and inclusion," which are having the unfortunate effects of preferring some groups over others in the name of righting past wrongs, pitting people against one another based on such immutable characteristics as skin color and gender. If history is any indication, the results we may expect if these developments continue are not great.
January 3, 2022
In 1941 Japan invaded the Philippines. Yvonne is 9 years old when her family was forced to leave her home town. With her father joining the resistance effort, the family lives on the run. Yvonne's childhood is formed by years of death and destruction at the hands of the invaders. Woven into her story are the legends passed down by her grandmother - and her people, for generations. There is Bongkatolan, the Woman Warrior - and the merciful rainbow goddess.
Brainard's previous published works were non-fiction about Philippine women in America and stories of Filapino history. There is a bit of stiffness in her fiction- made more evident by the inclusion of the myths of the people with the horrors of the reality of the invasion.
Brainard's previous published works were non-fiction about Philippine women in America and stories of Filapino history. There is a bit of stiffness in her fiction- made more evident by the inclusion of the myths of the people with the horrors of the reality of the invasion.
May 18, 2023
A story which practically sums up Filipino culture if it would ever be possible; one which tells multiple thrilling tales among others. I admire how she incorporates the colonialism mentality and racial discrimination along with the development of it in children, how it reminds us that you don't need four seasons to have the "dream" of life and country, how it goes about pondering on complex thoughts while making it vividly interesting.
February 12, 2026
This book moved me to tears as I thought about the children scarred by war, the families torn apart, and the many women like Nida. Although the writing may not be exceptional, the author effectively captures the suffering Filipinos have endured during that period in our country’s history and how wars can shape us. I also appreciate how she brings back forgotten Filipino folk stories through Laydan’s character.
March 30, 2026
A coming of age story of a Filipino girl growing up during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
Yvonne escapes from Ubec, her hometown, with her father, mother, and nanny into the mountains where they live in various villages under guerrilla control.
The author intertwines stories of folklore and myths of Filipino goddesses and women fighters shared with the main character by her nanny, Laydan.
Yvonne escapes from Ubec, her hometown, with her father, mother, and nanny into the mountains where they live in various villages under guerrilla control.
The author intertwines stories of folklore and myths of Filipino goddesses and women fighters shared with the main character by her nanny, Laydan.
January 27, 2018
Set during World War II, this story unfolds through the eyes of Yvonne, a young Filipino girl forced to leave her home during the war. There is loss, love, and happiness. As an American reading this book, the view of American imperialism is fascinating and still rings true today. I enjoyed this book, especially the stories told within it.
March 3, 2022
An absolutely extraordinary novel and a stunning debut. This book moved me to tears and anger and back again and it times it made me laugh, it was also deeply touching. Such a powerful story with cultural nuances and references woven throughout, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read hands-down. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
May 21, 2022
Wow amazing writing. It was full of suffering during WWII and I haven’t heard a story from the Philippine side. This family was Phillip one and the Japanese were attacking their families/territory. I felt like it taught me a lot about the culture and that time period in the Philippines form the view of a family.
October 1, 2023
i think if you are a part of the filipino diaspora, you should read this. as a first gen fil-am, i felt this book was essential to my personal mythology. the prose is simple yet beautiful, the main character tough yet winsome. the pre-colonial creation myths are such a treat. i’ll treasure this story in my heart forever
July 16, 2020
3.5 stars. An enlightening and well-written book that’s set in an intriguing country whose history is little known to many Americans including myself. There are so many books about WW II, and nearly all (that I’ve come across) take place in Europe. This book is a welcome change of perspective.
The only drawbacks to this book are that it’s a little dry and there are a lot of characters introduced early on. It can be difficult to keep track of them if you aren’t paying close attention.
The only drawbacks to this book are that it’s a little dry and there are a lot of characters introduced early on. It can be difficult to keep track of them if you aren’t paying close attention.
December 30, 2020
On one level, this is a story about a Filipino girl coming of age in a family that joined with guerrilleros to fight the Japanese during WWII. On another, richer level, this is a story of stories—about stories—how stories can encourage and give hope in the worst of times—how stories become a sacred trust that we must tell.
December 9, 2025
A beautifully written story about family, war, and survival, told through the eyes of a young girl. I loved the cultural touches and mythology woven into the real history. It’s moving without feeling forced, and it lingers with you after you’re done reading.
February 3, 2026
read around the world: philippines
a beautiful story about the way a family survives the war in the philippines while also losing a lot told through the eyes of an 11 year old and also folklore and epics
a beautiful story about the way a family survives the war in the philippines while also losing a lot told through the eyes of an 11 year old and also folklore and epics
July 18, 2024
I reread it all the time
May 26, 2025
Powerful and beautiful tale
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews