Summary of manila without verna by cecilia manguerra brainard?

"Manila Without Verna" by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is a poignant story about family, loss, and the power of memory. It revolves around the lives of the Almeda family, who live in Manila during the tumultuous period of World War II. The narrative is framed by the character of Nene, who, as a young girl, loses her beloved sister Verna to a tragic accident.

The story follows two main threads:

1. The immediate aftermath of Verna's death: Nene grapples with the loss of her sister and the overwhelming guilt she feels, blaming herself for the accident. The family struggles to cope with their grief, each member dealing with it in their own way. The wartime chaos adds further complexities to their lives.

2. Nene's memories of Verna: The story is told through Nene's adult perspective, weaving in vivid memories of her younger years with Verna. These memories act as a balm to the pain of loss, allowing Nene to revisit the joy and laughter they shared, and to keep Verna alive in her heart.

Through these two threads, the novel explores:

* The impact of loss on family dynamics: Each member of the family is affected differently by Verna's absence, and their relationships evolve in response to the tragedy.

* The resilience of memory: Despite the pain of loss, Nene's memories of Verna provide comfort and solace, allowing her to find strength and move forward.

* The search for meaning in the face of tragedy: The novel explores the questions of why bad things happen and how to find meaning in the midst of suffering.

Themes of childhood, family, loss, memory, and the enduring power of love are interwoven into the narrative, creating a deeply moving and resonant story about life, death, and the enduring bonds of family.