Two of the winners at the 41st National Book Awards
From over 235 nominations, 35 works emerged victorious
By Poch Eulalia
Since time immemorial, books have served as the perfect escape from reality. It’s only fitting that we give recognition to the authors who give it power. Through the 41st National Book Awards, we honor the best works published locally. From over 235 nominations, 35 works emerged victorious as chosen by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC).
Let’s pick up these two winners in the “novel” category.
Best Novel in English
Yñiga: A Novel by Glenn Diaz, Ateneo de Manila University Press Glenn Diaz is no stranger to writing brilliant tales. Yñiga: A Novel centers around Yñiga Calinauan. She lives a quiet life until a retired army general is captured across the street from her house. Soon the neighborhood is razed to the ground, forcing Yñiga to seek refuge in an old fishing town where she grew up.

Best Novel in Filipino
El Árbol de la Alegría by RM Topacio-Aplaon, Isang Balangay Media Productions. This novel follows the story of Santiago Javier, a local logistics firm driver and delivery personnel.

In the past, he was a botanist student. He finds himself complicit in the crimes and corruption being committed in the town’s local arboretum, El Árbol de la Alegría.