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Cover of The Woman Who Had Two Navels
Literary Fiction· Philippines

The Woman Who Had Two Navels

by Nick Joaquin
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1961English
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About This Book

When Nick Joaquin published The Woman Who Had Two Navels in 1961, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Nick Joaquin's The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a complex exploration of identity and post-colonialism in the Philippines. Set against the backdrop of the country's tumultuous history, the novel delves into the psychological and cultural conflicts experienced by Filipinos. Joaquin's rich narrative style and deep philosophical insights make this work a significant contribution to Philippine literature. Themes of identity, post-colonialism, cultural conflict run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorNick Joaquin
Published1961
Country of Origin🇵🇭 Philippines
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780143130710
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇵🇭 Philippines

This book is part of Philippines's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Philippines →

Editorial Assessment

Nick Joaquin published The Woman Who Had Two Navels in 1961, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Philippines. The book's treatment of identity, post-colonialism, cultural conflict, history accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Woman Who Had Two Navels is how it handles its central concerns — identity, post-colonialism, cultural conflict, history — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Woman Who Had Two Navels reflects Nick Joaquin's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Philippines's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Nick Joaquin
Philippines
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Nick Joaquin is a Philippines author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Woman Who Had Two Navels about?

Nick Joaquin's The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a complex exploration of identity and post-colonialism in the Philippines. Set against the backdrop of the country's tumultuous history, the novel delves into the psychological and cultural conflicts experienced by Filipinos. Joaquin's rich narrative style and deep philosophical insights make this work a significant contribution to Philippine literature.

Who wrote The Woman Who Had Two Navels?

The Woman Who Had Two Navels was written by Nick Joaquin, from Philippines. First published in 1961.

What awards has The Woman Who Had Two Navels won?

The Woman Who Had Two Navels has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Woman Who Had Two Navels worth reading?

The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, post-colonialism, cultural conflict.

Where can I buy The Woman Who Had Two Navels?

You can buy The Woman Who Had Two Navels on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Woman Who Had Two Navels?

The Woman Who Had Two Navels is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Woman Who Had Two Navels from?

The Woman Who Had Two Navels originates from Philippines's literary tradition. Explore more books from Philippines on our country page.

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