Query: คำถามที่ค้างคาใจเกี่ยวกับความตายและการเกิดใหม่

“Query,” by award-winning Filipino author Floy Quintos, plunges us into a world where death and rebirth are not just abstract concepts but tangible realities experienced through generations of a family haunted by a chilling secret. Prepare to be captivated as Quintos expertly weaves together the threads of Philippine folklore and historical realism, resulting in a tapestry of terror that transcends mere jump scares.

Unraveling the Threads: A Family Tapestry Woven with Dread

The story revolves around the Santos family, whose ancestral home stands witness to a century-long saga marked by both unspeakable tragedy and inexplicable phenomena. At its heart lies Elena, a woman grappling with visions of her deceased grandmother, who appears not as a benevolent spirit but a harbinger of darkness. These unsettling encounters unveil a horrifying truth hidden within the family’s past - a pact made with a malevolent entity that demands a gruesome price for prosperity.

Elena’s journey is far from solitary. Alongside her are other members of the Santos clan, each carrying their own burdens and secrets:

Character	Role	Secret
Manuel (Elena’s brother)	Skeptic struggling to reconcile his rational worldview with the paranormal events plaguing the family	Haunted by guilt over a past mistake that he believes may have unleashed the entity
Lola Rosario (The Grandmother)	Deceased matriarch who appears as a ghostly specter, warning Elena of impending danger	Her pact with the entity was born from desperation to save her family from poverty but has since spiraled out of control
Carmen (Elena’s Aunt)	Keeper of family lore and traditions, initially dismissive of Elena’s visions	Possesses a hidden connection to the supernatural that she fears revealing

As the Santos family unravels, Quintos masterfully paints a portrait of generational trauma intertwined with the unsettling presence of the entity. The reader is left questioning the nature of good and evil, the weight of ancestral burdens, and the blurred lines between life and death in Philippine folklore.

The Art of Fear: Quintos’ Brushstrokes

Quintos’ prose is both chillingly evocative and deeply introspective. Her ability to weave Filipino cultural nuances into the fabric of horror elevates “Query” beyond a simple scare-fest. Readers will encounter:

• Aswangs: These shape-shifting creatures from Philippine folklore, often depicted as bloodthirsty vampires or monstrous beasts, play a subtle yet unsettling role in Elena’s visions. Quintos uses them not as overtly menacing figures but as symbolic representations of the family’s inner demons and hidden desires.
• The Power of Faith: Throughout the novel, the struggle between faith and superstition is palpable. Characters wrestle with their beliefs, questioning the efficacy of traditional remedies and seeking solace in both religious practices and ancient rituals. This complex interplay adds a layer of psychological depth to the horror.

Quintos’ masterful use of language evokes a sense of creeping dread rather than relying on cheap thrills. Her descriptions are vivid yet restrained, leaving room for the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks and conjure their own terrors.

Beyond the Scare: Exploring Deeper Themes

While “Query” undoubtedly delivers spine-tingling horror, it also delves into profound themes:

• Generational Trauma: The sins of the past cast a long shadow over the present generation. Elena’s journey is not simply about confronting a supernatural entity but about understanding and ultimately healing the wounds inflicted by her ancestors.
• The Nature of Identity: As Elena navigates her visions and unravels the family secrets, she grapples with questions of who she truly is and what she inherits from those who came before her.

“Query” stands as a testament to Quintos’ literary prowess, weaving together elements of horror, folklore, and psychological drama into a tapestry that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. This chilling exploration of family secrets, ancestral burdens, and the blurred lines between life and death is not for the faint of heart but promises a richly rewarding experience for those who dare to delve into its depths.