Super Short Summary

Published in 1959, N. V. M. Gonzalez's The Bamboo Dancers follows Ernie Rama, an Americanised Filipino sculptor with a study grant in the US, as he embarks on a journey to reconnect with his Filipino roots. The novel intricately explores cultural disconnection and identity struggles through Ernie's relationships and encounters with other Filipinos who have likewise embraced Western ambitions. The detached narrative and the symbol of bamboo dancing, representing the clash between local Filipino culture and Western influences, highlight the complexities of cultural assimilation and identity. The book includes themes of sexual relationships, disjointed family dynamics, and cultural apathy.