Editorial Reviews
"Riveting, authentic…a triumph of truth and hope…the story of every Filipino-Canadian…Filled with nuggets of wisdom and practical useful information…must-read for every immigrant, old and new…"
-Melissa Remulla Briones, Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Inquirer
"Eleanor Guerrero-Campbell taps into a wonderful adventure filled with promise and peril. Honest and provocative, her narrative blends into an engaging read the diverse lives of Filipinos who have made Canada their new home. It depicts virtue and vice, hope and despair, triumph and failure in a contemporary setting that’s also a social commentary about the complex challenges immigrants face in a new country. From the idyllic town of Pililla east of Manila to the global city of Vancouver, Eleanor has drawn deep to produce a sparkling gem."
-Carlito Pablo, Staff Writer, The Georgia Straight
"…captivating look at the challenges faced by an immigrant family as they navigate life in multicultural Canada…sprinkled with fun and delicious reminiscing…dares to expose underlying issues of short-sighted immigration policies… Canada’s immigrants stumble as they try to find a way to practise their professions that are so needed, yet wasted… human spirit prevails…family triumphs, Canada advances… thought-provoking read for all."
-Esmie Gayo McLaren, Director, Vancouver Asia Heritage Month Society
"…depicts the real problems encountered by immigrants in Canada…parallels some of our survey findings about the difficulties of immigrants…their strength and resilience… a worthy addition to the genre of “ethnic literature”…the first such novel focused on Filipino immigrants in a positive and balanced manner…will interest many readers not only in Canada but in other countries…"
-Aprodicio and Eleanor Laquian, authors of Seeking a Better Life Abroad: A study of Filipinos in Canada and The Silent Debate: Asian Immigration and Racism in Canada
"…puts into words …emotions many immigrants feel as they live their new life…storytelling felt so real that I found myself in tears…makes you feel the pain, struggles and triumphs of characters skillfully depicted…Very good book to read!"
-Irene Querubin, TV and Radio Host
-Melissa Remulla Briones, Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Inquirer
"Eleanor Guerrero-Campbell taps into a wonderful adventure filled with promise and peril. Honest and provocative, her narrative blends into an engaging read the diverse lives of Filipinos who have made Canada their new home. It depicts virtue and vice, hope and despair, triumph and failure in a contemporary setting that’s also a social commentary about the complex challenges immigrants face in a new country. From the idyllic town of Pililla east of Manila to the global city of Vancouver, Eleanor has drawn deep to produce a sparkling gem."
-Carlito Pablo, Staff Writer, The Georgia Straight
"…captivating look at the challenges faced by an immigrant family as they navigate life in multicultural Canada…sprinkled with fun and delicious reminiscing…dares to expose underlying issues of short-sighted immigration policies… Canada’s immigrants stumble as they try to find a way to practise their professions that are so needed, yet wasted… human spirit prevails…family triumphs, Canada advances… thought-provoking read for all."
-Esmie Gayo McLaren, Director, Vancouver Asia Heritage Month Society
"…depicts the real problems encountered by immigrants in Canada…parallels some of our survey findings about the difficulties of immigrants…their strength and resilience… a worthy addition to the genre of “ethnic literature”…the first such novel focused on Filipino immigrants in a positive and balanced manner…will interest many readers not only in Canada but in other countries…"
-Aprodicio and Eleanor Laquian, authors of Seeking a Better Life Abroad: A study of Filipinos in Canada and The Silent Debate: Asian Immigration and Racism in Canada
"…puts into words …emotions many immigrants feel as they live their new life…storytelling felt so real that I found myself in tears…makes you feel the pain, struggles and triumphs of characters skillfully depicted…Very good book to read!"
-Irene Querubin, TV and Radio Host
Reader Reviews
Richard Ross
"I really enjoyed “Stumbling Through Paradise”! There were certain chapters that I found engaging and I could not put down. As a husband of a Filipina, I found the stories of both life in the Philippines and in Vancouver intriguing and fascinating. I am also familiar with the Film Festival building collapse and that is a sad detail of Imelda’s legacy that should not be forgotten.
Both Manual and Josie’s characters initially turned me off. In Manuel, his philandering was unforgivable and his unwillingness to swallow his pride and support his family shallow. In Josie, I was amazed about her regret and self-doubt for not taking Manuel back or allowing him to live with Carla and still be a father to the children. Josie’s story was more compelling and complex. She could be such strong woman in some areas such as providing for her family but so weak with Manuel.
I also enjoyed the way book was broken into POV chapters and was non linear. It was very interesting to read about the trials and frustrations Filipinos and other skilled new comers faced or face in Canada. It is not unlike that here in the USA. I know that Filipino-Americans that complete Medical School in the Philippines have a difficult challenge to enter a residency program in the USA. If they do get admitted, it is usually in an unpopular field or in a very rural area.
For myself, I did find some of the POV Chapters with Manolita and Sonia a bit too detailed and straying from family storyline. I found myself losing interest at times. I understand these were used to show the ways the government agencies can assist foreign skilled workers and also the details of Vancouver and Canadian politics but for me, it deviated too long from the compelling stories of the del Mundos, I would have liked to learn more about the other family members later in the book, especially Bobby’s drug dealing and Josie’s experience as mayor in Pililla. The second half of the novel concentrated more on Sonia and Manolita.
I really did like the book and I have recommended it to my friends and family that also enjoy reading. I am just a fairly well read Kano and layman. It must be such an honor to have a first novel published and receive such accolades. It was quite an honor to have it signed and to have a written note from Ms.Guerrero-Campbell!"
Richard Ross
May 25, 2016
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Baldwin Wong
Social Planner, City of Vancouver
May 1, 2016
"A timely story to remind us of how it feels to be newcomers, when our city is welcoming more immigrants and refugees."
________________________________________________________________
Laura Tate
Victoria, British Columbia
"Such compelling writing, right from the start! Such an engaging story. Should be on the reading lists of all Canadians."
________________________________________________________________
George Verolaga (FriesenPress Review)
University of the Philippines Diliman
"Congrats on your terrific book Eleanor. I never knew that you were such a talented writer. I hope you have your second book planned already."
·Mar 31, 2016 7:43am
__________________________________________________________________
George Verdolaga (Amazon review)
5.0 out of 5 stars A highly recommended read
"A fascinating story about immigrant life. I love Eleanor's vivid descriptions of big and small town life in the Philippines and Canada. The author has gprovided an interesting sneak peek into Filipino culture and customs. As an immigrant, Eleanor's book resonates with some of my own experiences. A highly recommended read."
April 3, 2016
__________________________________________________________________
Ruth Stewart
"Good Morning Eleanor,
I have just finished reading your book and sincerely enjoyed it. As I mentioned we have had many caregivers helping my father in law day to day. So many of the stories resonated with our very own experience.
I enjoyed the all the different story lines throughout the book. It evoked alot of emotions especially sadness about how lives are turned upside down as immigrants try to make a new life in Canada.
The book kept me very interested throughout and a good page turner. I apologize for not being a better reviewer.
At our book clubs we usually rate the books we read. I would give your novel an 9 out of 10. I enjoy reading books about people and although the book is historical fiction, however I know these stories are true.
I will propose your book to my book club and hope when my turn comes up again (the group will agree to read it) .
Wishing you every success!"
Take care
Ruth Stewart
Aug 15, 2016
"I really enjoyed “Stumbling Through Paradise”! There were certain chapters that I found engaging and I could not put down. As a husband of a Filipina, I found the stories of both life in the Philippines and in Vancouver intriguing and fascinating. I am also familiar with the Film Festival building collapse and that is a sad detail of Imelda’s legacy that should not be forgotten.
Both Manual and Josie’s characters initially turned me off. In Manuel, his philandering was unforgivable and his unwillingness to swallow his pride and support his family shallow. In Josie, I was amazed about her regret and self-doubt for not taking Manuel back or allowing him to live with Carla and still be a father to the children. Josie’s story was more compelling and complex. She could be such strong woman in some areas such as providing for her family but so weak with Manuel.
I also enjoyed the way book was broken into POV chapters and was non linear. It was very interesting to read about the trials and frustrations Filipinos and other skilled new comers faced or face in Canada. It is not unlike that here in the USA. I know that Filipino-Americans that complete Medical School in the Philippines have a difficult challenge to enter a residency program in the USA. If they do get admitted, it is usually in an unpopular field or in a very rural area.
For myself, I did find some of the POV Chapters with Manolita and Sonia a bit too detailed and straying from family storyline. I found myself losing interest at times. I understand these were used to show the ways the government agencies can assist foreign skilled workers and also the details of Vancouver and Canadian politics but for me, it deviated too long from the compelling stories of the del Mundos, I would have liked to learn more about the other family members later in the book, especially Bobby’s drug dealing and Josie’s experience as mayor in Pililla. The second half of the novel concentrated more on Sonia and Manolita.
I really did like the book and I have recommended it to my friends and family that also enjoy reading. I am just a fairly well read Kano and layman. It must be such an honor to have a first novel published and receive such accolades. It was quite an honor to have it signed and to have a written note from Ms.Guerrero-Campbell!"
Richard Ross
May 25, 2016
________________________________________________________________
Baldwin Wong
Social Planner, City of Vancouver
May 1, 2016
"A timely story to remind us of how it feels to be newcomers, when our city is welcoming more immigrants and refugees."
________________________________________________________________
Laura Tate
Victoria, British Columbia
"Such compelling writing, right from the start! Such an engaging story. Should be on the reading lists of all Canadians."
________________________________________________________________
George Verolaga (FriesenPress Review)
University of the Philippines Diliman
"Congrats on your terrific book Eleanor. I never knew that you were such a talented writer. I hope you have your second book planned already."
·Mar 31, 2016 7:43am
__________________________________________________________________
George Verdolaga (Amazon review)
5.0 out of 5 stars A highly recommended read
"A fascinating story about immigrant life. I love Eleanor's vivid descriptions of big and small town life in the Philippines and Canada. The author has gprovided an interesting sneak peek into Filipino culture and customs. As an immigrant, Eleanor's book resonates with some of my own experiences. A highly recommended read."
April 3, 2016
__________________________________________________________________
Ruth Stewart
"Good Morning Eleanor,
I have just finished reading your book and sincerely enjoyed it. As I mentioned we have had many caregivers helping my father in law day to day. So many of the stories resonated with our very own experience.
I enjoyed the all the different story lines throughout the book. It evoked alot of emotions especially sadness about how lives are turned upside down as immigrants try to make a new life in Canada.
The book kept me very interested throughout and a good page turner. I apologize for not being a better reviewer.
At our book clubs we usually rate the books we read. I would give your novel an 9 out of 10. I enjoy reading books about people and although the book is historical fiction, however I know these stories are true.
I will propose your book to my book club and hope when my turn comes up again (the group will agree to read it) .
Wishing you every success!"
Take care
Ruth Stewart
Aug 15, 2016
