Have you ever thought how things might be different in another universe?
You might have taken up a different job, gone on the adventure that you always said you would go on but never really did. You might have probably fallen in love more times than you can count, or you could have ended up with your biggest what if.
We are totally loving new Filipino author (and one of WhenInManila.com’s senior writers!) Carla de Guzman and her book, Cities, her debut novella about the theory of multiple universes – the idea that somewhere out there, other worlds exist where the choices you make are different from the ones you make in this lifetime.
The story centers on Celia, who has had several what ifs in her life, but the biggest what if that she can’t shake off is her friend Ben – the one who got away. While in this universe they’re not meant to be, perhaps in different other universes, in cities they could have lived in, their stories might run a little differently.
The book is well-written, romantic, and insightful, the kind that makes you sigh and dream about the life’s biggest mysteries and dreams as soon as you put it down. Here are 3 reasons to get a copy of Cities by Carla de Guzman:
Cities by Carla de Guzman: 3 Reasons You Will Fall In Love With This Book
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3. The vivid descriptions about traveling
Celia lives in Manila, who could have gone to Seoul for a scholarship, or could have gone to New York to start a new life there. Ben could have moved to rainy London and made his dreams come true there.Â
The book features different well-loved cities around the world, with such vivid descriptions that it will surely bring up fond memories if you have been there, and could make you feel like you’re in that exact moment even if you haven’t. You can almost hear the bustle of the city, feel the cold bite of New York air, or get soaked in that perpetual London rain. More importantly, the story features real landmarks which are not lost on the readers, reflected by the author’s real-life experiences in those cities.
If Cities does not make you want to pack up a bag and take the next flight out of the country, we’re not sure what else will.
2. The hope involving the infinite possibilities of the universe
So you’re a dreamer. In another life, you could have played out the fantasy that you’ve always had. You’ve seen Doctor Who and appreciated the timey-wimey complexities of time and space. Maybe somewhere, out there, is a parallel universe where you lived in a different place, had different interests, or fell in love with someone else.
Cities explores this theme quite nicely, in such a way that it did not feel unrealistic or forced in the story. While it doesn’t quite explain it in painful lengths the way sci-fi stories do, there is an acknowledgment on the possibility, and how you may choose to either believe the things you see, or that things are not always what they seem.
1. The romance
Let’s get this out of the way: It’s a love story, and a damn good one. It’s definitely a notch up from the usual Wattpad lore. Every city has a different spirit, and this translates in the stories that take place in each setting. Each one is different and exciting to watch as it unfolds– much like how multiverses can be different from one another.
The emotions and characterizations of each character are so well-written that it translates in dialogue that is heartfelt and rolls off naturally. We feel their pain, their joy, as well as their passion and wonder in each page.  There’s a tug at the heartstrings especially between Celia and Ben, and of course, that fluttering kilig that Carla seems to have mastered.
It’s always a good idea to support talented local writers like Carla de Guzman!Â
Want to win a free copy of Cities? Two lucky winners will get a free copy signed by the author herself! Check out the Rafflecopter mechanics below:
Cities is available for purchase at:
