Published by Migrant Writers of Singapore
“No Cinderella ?” Is the first volume of published poetry composed by a female domestic worker working in Singapore. Rolinda Espanola, in this unprecedentedly generous collection of poems, explores a variety of subjects, experiences and issues, including the ups, downs and unfairnesses undergone by a female migrant worker in the first world city-state. Rolinda’s accomplished, stirring, haunting and moving poems give us for the first time a sustained glimpse into the outer and inner hitherto hidden often very solidarity worlds of female domestic workers in Singapore.
“At a time when the plight of our migrant and guest workers has been brought to the fore, Espanola’s writing insists on making visible and claiming the unvarnished dignity of her enmeshed selves: as worker, lover, woman, soul.” ~Alvin Pang (Poet, Editor & Director of The Literary Centre, Singapore)
“Lyrically direct and unembarrassed, Rolinda Onates Espanola’s first collection refuses to be just migrant writing. These 93 poems are in the voice of a modern, working woman who loves fiercely and who protests daily injustices. Her verse reads like songs you might overhear from a neighbour’s stereo, faraway but ever so familiar and near.” ~Ann Ang ( Author of “Bang My Car”)