Man Asian Literary Prize-winning author, Miguel Syjuco talks about his latest novel, I Was the President’s Mistress!! and its protagonist, Vita Nova, the Philippines’ most famous movie star and former paramour of the country’s most powerful man. In a tell-all memoir that puts the sensational in sensationalistic, Vita has bared herself completely in a most particular setting: a sweating, heaving country. The time: right now. The plot: a drug war rages; an assassin brandishes a pistol; a damsel rises from ashes to power; and a government teeters on the brink. In this masterful and audacious novel, Miguel Syjuco’s signature style—hilarious, insightful, playful, and provocative—animates thirteen indelible voices whose stories present a cross-section of a complicated society. I Was the President’s Mistress!!  hurtles headlong into love, politics, faith, history, memory, and the ongoing war over who will tell the stories the world shall know as truth.

Miguel Syjuco talks with Aparita Bhandari about I Was the President’s Mistress!! and the desolate world that the novel portrays.

About this event’s guests:
Miguel Syjuco
Aparita Bhandari

This event is part of TPL’s Asian Heritage series.

Generously supported by TD Read Commitment.

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Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

This event has been rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you please note the new date.

Miguel Syjuco: I Was the President's Mistress!!