A gripping tale of four different women of different races and cultures weaved together into one story by a piece of clothing, The Saga of the Blue Dress is a powerful narrative that facilitates conversations about the predicaments women still face in the 21st century. Told from women’s eyes, voices, and bodies, it is heavy, heart-wrenching, and unsettling. As the story centers on a dress, the dress serves as a mirror reflecting the reality that there is still so much work to be done, reminding us of our task to forge better paths for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and human rights. Gayeta’s debut novel is a remarkable piece of fiction that holds so much relevance to our times. It was a privilege to have read this beautiful manuscript first before the rest of the world does when I proofread it last year. And it was so nice to finally meet the Bataan-based author at the book launch last Nov.4 at Estancia.