This is my first book having its roots and characters from Philippines, written by an immigrant from that country who is currently living in USA. Therefore, it has a flair of authenticity to it while depicting the lives of immigrants in USA.

The book is divided into different chapters based on the narratives and who is narrating the story at that time. Although this is the story of Golden Oaks Farm to begin with, still it’s very much the story of all those women featured in it. So, the Farm itself becomes the central character in the storyline while the story is taken forward with the subplots of Jane, Evelyn Ate, Reagan, Lisa and Mae.

So to talk about what this book is all about and what is the purpose or business of Golden Oak Farm would be giving away essential surprises once you get to know the Farm better. Instead, we can say that it deals with commodification of women’s body with a so-called win-win formula for the consumer as well for those women whose body is being ‘consumed’ in the process. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find more numbers of immigrants from different sets of gene pools here than high-bred top class pure Americans.

Jane and Evelyn Ate are two such immigrants, originally from Philippines and trying to make their dreams come true by being part of the mythical American Dream. Then it’s not surprising though that what considered oppressive or troublesome scenarios in American social lives are merely storms in tea cups for them. This is because they are making all kinds of efforts to make a living- be it being a baby nurse, nannies, nurses for elderly care, cooking food and even surrogacy. Living in squalor but always thinking of making it big, better, beautiful for their children; these women definitely represent some strong willed characters.

Mae is also an immigrant but her being half American and coming from a particular social strata makes her stand out from all of these other immigrant women. However, whatever might be lacking in her background to be better than these people, that is surely compensated by her understanding and empathetic response to other people’s plight. Being a self made career achiever makes her acutely realise what is the power of money and what are the better ways to earn it and how to maintain that wealth. Although she has all the potential of showing the grey shades but because of these characteristics, Mae’s portrayal becomes more humane.

Then there are Lisa and Reagan who eventually become friends of Jane, but they have their own shares of baggage. Although from an outsider point of view, their issues look like first world problems, still their character arcs are itched in reality and they don’t come across as caricatures, thanks to the brilliant character building by the author.

Well, to cut the long story short, this book presents some awesome stories of women, without having a preaching tone to talk about feminism or women centric storyline. Therefore, if you love strong willed, weak hearted, funny, loving, caring, worrisome, free willed, troublesome and most importantly independent women characters, then this book is surely for you. Highly recommended read, go for it.