THAT is the title of a compelling novel by Elaine Castillo, a fictional update of Carlos Bulosan's iconic semi-autobiographical novel called 'America Is in the Heart.' 'America Is Not the Heart' is a powerful and intricately woven tapestry of identity, migration and the complexities of the American dream. In this debut novel, Castillo explores the lives of Filipino immigrants, offering a profound and intimate portrayal of their struggles, triumphs and the various threads that bind families and communities together.

The narrative centers around Hero de Vera, a former physician from the Philippines who finds herself rebuilding her life in Milpitas, California, after political upheavals force her to leave her homeland. Castillo's storytelling is both lyrical and unflinching, drawing readers into the intricate dance of Hero's past and present. The author skillfully navigates the intricacies of immigration, cultural displacement and the delicate negotiation of identity in a new land.