Review: Everything We Never Had by Julian Phillip Ribay
When I first stumbled upon Everything We Never Had on Bookstagram, I had a feeling I might be missing out on something special. In a sea of newly released titles, this one stood out, and I decided to take the plunge. I’m so glad I did! Ribay’s masterful multigenerational family saga left me with a whirlwind of emotions that linger long after turning the final page.
The story revolves around the Maghabol men: Francisco, Emil, Chris, and Enzo, each grappling with their identities across different contexts and timelines. Ribay expertly crafts these characters, allowing their unique personalities and histories to shine through while also illustrating how deeply intertwined their lives are. Francisco’s journey in a new, often hostile country brings to light the struggle for acceptance and the heavy burden of racism, an experience that resonates profoundly in today’s world. His attempts to build a family from nothing while facing overwhelming challenges are poignant and relatable.
Then there’s Emil, Francisco’s son, whose journey diverges sharply from his father’s dedication to social justice. I found him particularly fascinating. Ribay captures Emil’s urgency to shed his Filipino identity in pursuit of the American dream, making him a complex character whose motivations I understood—even if I didn’t fully agree with them. That ability to portray characters with such depth and dynamism is where Ribay truly excels.
Chris, Emil’s son, grapples with the weight of familial expectations while a school project forces him to confront the darker chapters of Filipino history. This evolution pits him against his father, making their conflict all the more impactful. And then we have Enzo, the sensitive and anxious grandson, whose life is disrupted as the pandemic sweeps in and changes everything. The interweaving of their narratives is a testament to Ribay’s skill in constructing a story that deeply reflects the push and pull of family dynamics across generations.
The writing is both lyrical and gripping, with a pacing that kept me hooked throughout. I listened to the audiobook, and the tension built so steadily that it felt like my heart was racing with every twist and turn. Ribay does an incredible job of layering historical context without overshadowing the characters’ personal stories, making it a wonderful companion to more traditional nonfiction.
One of my favorite elements was the learning experience blended seamlessly throughout the narrative. Rather than feeling like a history lesson, this book allowed me to absorb Filipino and Filipino American history in a way that felt natural and enlightening. It sparked my curiosity and introduced me to themes I hadn’t considered before.
If you appreciate character-driven stories that seamlessly blend history with personal struggles, Everything We Never Had should be right at the top of your reading list. As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for those Bookstagram recommendations. This story wasn’t just entertaining; it was a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the legacies we carry.
In conclusion, whether you’re drawn to historical fiction, looking to understand more about Asian American experiences, or simply enjoy beautifully crafted narratives, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a read. My experience with it has certainly enriched my literary journey, and I’m grateful to have taken this path. Please don’t overlook this gem—your reading life will undoubtedly be more vibrant for it.
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