The Japanese book cover for Edgardo M. Reyes's Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag.
In the Claws of Brightness (Filipino: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag), is a 1968 Tagalog language novel written by Filipino author Edgardo M. Reyes, originally serialized in the weekly Liwayway magazine from 1967 to 1968.[1] The title In the Claws of Brightness is a literal word-for-word translation of the Tagalog title, which as a phrase effectively makes little sense in English. A more practical English translation would be At the Verge of Dawn. The story became the basis for the award-winning Filipinofilm, Manila in the Claws of Light.[2]
Julio, a poor fisherman, goes to Manila to search for his betrothed named Ligaya. Sometime before Julio's trip, Ligaya had left with a lady named Mrs. Cruz in order to study and work in the city. Now in Manila, Julio becomes a victim to some of the city's scums. Julio experiences abuses while working in a construction site. He eventually loses his job and desperately looks for a decent place where he can sleep. Slowly, Julio develops a cynical demeanor as he gradually loses hope of ever finding Ligaya.
All this is put on hold, however, when Julio finally reunites Ligaya, and learns from her that she is a victim of sex trafficking. Julio and Ligaya plan to escape.[3]
The book had been translated into Japanese by Motoe Terami-Wada. The novel, retitled as Manila: Hikaru Tsume (マニラ: 光る爪) had become a bestselling book in Japan.[2]
↑ Mangahas, Rogelio, ed. (1986). "Introduksiyon" [Introduction]. Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (in Tagalog) (2nded.). Manila: De La Salle University Press. pp.xxxiii.
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