When Turtles Come Home

This is a beautiful memoir. It was hard to put down. I loved that it was about an anthropologist as I am interested in anthropology. I loved reading this memoir.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

When turtles comes home is a memoir. Victoria recounts her life, from childhood to present, discussing the state of Philippines in these times, Germany and other countries that she has lived in during her lifetime.

Overall, I liked this memoir. Parts of the story were very interesting, especially when she was talking about her own experience. I learned a lot about the countries that she travelled to, getting new perspectives from the side of someone who lived in those places, addressing themes of politics, immigration, health care and more. She also provided a lot of information about the history of the place and her own family. I felt at times though that the memoir was more of a collection of essays, lacking continuity sometimes. That sometimes interfered with my experience of the book.

As someone who has moved countries, I would recommend this book to those who travel and have an interest in Philippines. One of my friends is from there and it was good to know more about her culture. I am thankful to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for making the complimentary copy of the book available to me in exchange for an honest review.

'Turtles carry their homes on their backs, travelling thousands of miles each year. But eventually, guided by the magnetic fields of the earth, they are programmed to return to the place of their birth'.

When Turtles Come Home is a memoir, a social commentary and a legacy of words. Hoffarth is an' ordinary' person who has searched for a sense of belonging all her life. Born in the Phillipines but never feeling she belonged, she travelled to such places as Germany, New York, Paris, London, learning about herself and the world as she did so. In 2004 she eventually found her way back to the place of her birth, culturally enriched and living with a sense of peace that was hitherto lacking.

Her memoir is split into three parts. Part One contains stories of her childhood and her travels. Part Two examines the Philippine Cultural Values and Norms, and Part Three looks at Choices and Identity.

She also examines what it means to be happy, and in the final chapter looks at the current state of world affairs and where the world is heading, with hope springing from the younger generation and the social and political movements including #MeToo.

A fascinating account of life in the Philippines, but it is more than a memoir, it's a political and social commentary on what makes us human, and what it takes to find our place in the world.

Victoria Hoffarth has the advantage of having experienced Philippine culture both as in insider and as an outsider. She is a Filipina who was born and raised in the Philippines and knows its rural life and family values. She also spent many years abroad and returned to her country with the eye of a foreigner that can perceived details that an insider would not be aware of. Aside from being extremely well written and easy to read, this book offers fascinating insights into cultural values, business ethics, Philippine collectivism, religion and identity.

An intimate look at life in the Philippines of family culture politics.A very interesting look at a world I knew nothing about.#netgalley#troubadorbooks

Thank you Matador and Netgalley for this ARC.
I love memoirs, especially ones that teach me about different cultures and countries. It was a really enjoyable book and I loved the parts about the Philippines having lived there for some years.

A lovely read. I didn’t know this author before and will definitely be seeking out more of her work. Recommended.