NEW BOOK - Green Blood and Other Stories (by Erwin Cabucos)

New Book on Filipino-Australian Identity

Manila Prints Sydney releases Green Blood and Other Stories, a collection of short stories by a talented new author Erwin Cabucos.

Fifteen short stories exploring a range of themes, including intercultural marriage, racism, social justice, bullying, religious beliefs and growing up Filipino.

Many of the characters are children, observing and challenging stereotypes and ideological positions that have been normalised in our society.

"Why is God white?" asks a character in one of the stories. The priest is left with no adequate answer.

"It is a book that you can relate to as a Filipino and as an Australian. The stories have been woven into a world of two cultures which may be a very good tool for Literacy, SOSE, Anthropology teaching and learning in Australia," says Myrla Prianes, a Brisbane-based teacher and a community leader.

Casting a racist slur over our immigrant neighbour's smelly food is represented in one of the stories, laying bare themes of racil snobbery, prejudice and persecution of those who dare to be different.

“I love the ‘reality’ and immediacy of the style, the use of language, and the way a sense of place is created. The stories are beautifully structured - a real joy to read. So alive, touching and funny,” says Judith Cheyne, Director of E-lucidate Web and Print Communications in Brisbane.

Cabucos is a teacher of secondary English in Brisbane and when not teaching, he writes short fiction which finds its way to various anthologies and publications including The Philippine Graphic Magazine and the Philippines Free Press.

"My stories are a reminder not to accept everything at face value," Cabucos said.

'Green Blood and Other Stories', ISBN 978-0-9804827-0-6, will be launched on 7 June 2008 at 12:30PM at the Brisbane Square Library.

Free entry. Everyone is welcome.

Contact the author on erwincabucos@yahoo.com.au or visit his blog: erwincabucos.blogspot.com.