When Turtles Come Home: A Memoir on Life in the Philippines

Victoria Hoffarth, a cultural refugee, explores Philippine culture, suggests what Filipinos can learn from the wider world, and questions what it is to be Filipino. She is a liberal globalist, a woman in a setting where feminism is frowned upon, and an "a-la-carte" Roman Catholic in a deeply conservative and traditional society. This is the story of finding yourself and learning to look beyond what you know to find home, even if that is where you first began.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2019
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

When Victoria Hoffarth was pursuing her graduate studies in the United States, her lecturer, the renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead, imparted a profound wisdom to her class: "The world is a vast tapestry of diverse cultures, and it is our responsibility to seek out a place where we truly belong." Despite being born and raised in the Philippines, Victoria never felt a sense of belonging in her homeland. Driven by this longing, she embarked on a journey of cultural exploration, seeking a place where she could truly flourish.

Her captivating and personal narrative takes us back to the early 1950s, a time when her small town was still grappling with the aftermath of World War II. Over the course of thirty years, Victoria traversed the globe, venturing to America, returning to the Philippines, and eventually settling in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. Throughout her odyssey, Victoria delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine culture, highlighting its unique aspects and offering valuable insights to the broader world.

She also explores what Filipinos can learn from other cultures and societies. Moreover, she raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be Filipino and whether her identity is solely tied to her birthplace. Does one's identity transcend geographical boundaries? As a liberal globalist, Victoria grapples with the challenges of being a woman in a society that often frowns upon feminism. At the same time, she upholds her beliefs as an "a-la-carte" Roman Catholic, navigating the mindset of a deeply conservative and traditional society.

Much more than a mere memoir, Victoria's story is a testament to the pursuit of self-discovery and the courage to venture beyond the confines of what we know. It is a journey of finding one's true home, even if it begins where one first sets foot. Through her experiences, Victoria inspires us to broaden our horizons, embrace diversity, and seek out the places where we can truly thrive.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789018684