Stamped: An Anti-Travel Novel that Unveils the Dark Sides of Wanderlust by Kawika Guillermo

Are you a passionate traveler who loves discovering new cultures and exploring exotic destinations? If so, you might want to take a moment and delve into a captivating novel that challenges the conventional narratives of travel and exposes its hidden underbelly. "Stamped" written by Kawika Guillermo is a thought-provoking anti-travel novel that will leave you questioning your wanderlust and contemplative about the world of tourism.

With approximately 3000 words, this article aims to provide an engaging review of "Stamped," exploring its themes, characters, and the impact it has on our perception of travel.

The Dark Side of Wanderlust Unveiled

Often, travel is seen as a means of self-discovery, a way to broaden one's horizons, and to escape the mundane. However, Kawika Guillermo challenges this notion and delves deep into the less glamorous aspects of travel. Through his vivid storytelling, Guillermo exposes the dark side of wanderlust, addressing issues of privilege, cultural appropriation, and neocolonialism.

Stamped: An Anti-Travel Novel

by Kawika Guillermo(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages

FREE

In "Stamped," Guillermo follows the journey of a disillusioned traveler named Jonah Ishikawa. Packed with vivid descriptions and intense emotions, Guillermo brings us on Ishikawa's rollercoaster ride through bustling tourist destinations and hidden corners of the world. As Ishikawa's experiences unfold, the novel shines a light on the damaging impacts of tourism on local communities and the erosion of cultural identities.

Characters that Challenge Us

One of the strengths of "Stamped" lies in Guillermo's ability to create realistic and complex characters that challenge our assumptions about travel. Ishikawa, the protagonist, starts as an optimistic traveler seeking adventure but undergoes a significant transformation as he confronts the darker realities of tourism. His arc serves as a reflection of our own journeys as travelers, forcing us to question our motives and the impact we have on the places we visit.

The supporting cast in "Stamped" adds further depth to the narrative, providing diverse perspectives on travel. From disillusioned locals who have been exploited by the tourism industry to fellow travelers who are blind to their own privilege, Guillermo's characters embody a range of emotions and experiences that resonate with readers on a profound level.

Questioning the Status Quo

Kawika Guillermo's "Stamped" is not just a novel; it is a deep exploration of societal norms and the power structures that shape the travel industry. By challenging the status quo, Guillermo encourages readers to critically examine their own travel experiences and the impact they have on the world. Through poignant passages and thought-provoking dialogues, "Stamped" urges us to question our assumptions, confront our biases, and make more conscious choices as travelers.

Through the use of vivid descriptive language and an engaging narrative, Guillermo takes us on a journey that goes beyond the surface-level pleasures of travel. "Stamped" challenges us to think deeply about the consequences of our actions and raises important questions about the ethics of tourism.

"Stamped" by Kawika Guillermo is an anti-travel novel that confronts our romanticized notions of travel and leads us to introspection. Through its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Stamped" is a must-read for any avid traveler seeking a different perspective on their wanderlust.

So, the next time you're planning your next big adventure, take a moment to reflect on the impact of your travels and consider giving "Stamped" a read. This novel has the power to shape our perceptions and transform the way we see the world of tourism.

Stamped: An Anti-Travel Novel

by Kawika Guillermo(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages

FREE

Exasperated by the small-minded tyranny of his hometown, Skyler Faralan travels to Southeast Asia with $500 and a death wish. After months of wandering, he crosses paths with other dejected travelers: Sophea, a short-fused NGO worker; Arthur, a brazen expat abandoned by his wife and son; and Winston, a defiant intellectual exile. Bound by pleasure-fueled self-destruction, the group flounders from one Asian city to another, confronting the mixture of grief, betrayal, and discrimination that caused them to travel in the first place.

“Guillermo tells the stories of American expatriates seeking to lose or remake themselves in the far-flung corners of Asia. His narrative voice—steady, visual, and evocative—is complemented by his keen ear for dialogue.”
—Peter Bacho, author of Cebu and winner
of the American Book Award

“Guillermo’s novel teaches the reader how to engage the world and reveals the very best about being a traveler rather than a tourist. We follow not only a vivid visual adventure across Asia, but also a linguistic journey into understanding new language and a definition of ‘we’ that is inclusive and empowering and revealing.”
—Shawn Hsu Wong, author of Homebase
and American Knees

Kawika Guillermo moves and writes throughout Asia and North America, usually embarking from his station in Hong Kong. This is his first novel.