Bread of Salt

A coming of age, rite of passage, initiation, bar mitzvah story of a naive boy fiercely infatuated with a girl whose world he can never be part of. The harsh realities of the world is lost on the boy, who thinks that if he studies hard enough, or plays the violin well enough, he will prove himself to be as good as Aida, the girl he idolizes. His naivete borders on pathetic at times. In a world of indios and mestizos, he is disillusioned, thinking that he can actually be a part of her world when actually, the most he can be is hired help. It is quite frustrating to see him make a fool out of himself countless times, mostly due to the fact that he is too...deluded to perceive the chasm between him and Aida. The story is rich with symbolism which emphasize the sad plight of the boy. I do appreciate however, the very Pinoy touches with the pan de sal and the boy's family and background.