Those Distant Shores: A Narrative of Human Restlessness

“Distant Shores” can mean various things. Literally, distant shores refer to one’s travel destinations. Figuratively, they represent human desires, ambitions, or goals. But “distant shores” also stand for the human yearning, imbedded in everyone, for final fulfillment. Such yearning makes human beings fundamentally restless. This work is about all of these forms of restlessness. In story form, it explores a fundamental philosophical theme: human transcendence. The narrative follows the life-journeys of three Filipino boyhood friends who had different ambitions in, and dreams about, life. A parallel story of another young man from Spain, who is coming to grips with his father's philosophical views on life, links up with one of these Filipinos during a trip to Ireland. As the four characters’ respective and very different narratives unfold, their dialogues develop and their reflections deepen, one is caught up in the challenges they have had to face, the goals they have achieved, and the failures and successes they have encountered. In different, and at times unexpected, ways they illustrate the restlessness of human nature itself.


M. F. Sia is a recently-retired Assistant Principal who taught English Literature at Terenure College, Dublin, Ireland. S. Sia retired as Professor and Dean of Philosophy at Milltown Institute of the National University of Ireland, and was previously Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, LA, for several years. They have co-authored a number of scholarly books, journal articles and conference papers.

"[It] can be claimed that this is a work of philosophical fiction, but I would rather treat it as a book on philosophy that also happened to be a fiction piece. The plot is a tapestry that weaves together major metaphysical, epistemological and even theological stances of the authors. Instead of being the main dish, the ulam, the plot of the three boyhood friends and the Spaniard, act as a supporting side dish, like rice or kanin, which holds together any good Filipino meal. Fiction, then, becomes vehicle for thought. And this book was really quite a meal, for both reason and imagination, and was it ever so delicious."

Justin Joseph G. Badion Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines D I W A Studies in Philosophy and Theology, 41:1&2 (2016)

"More than just a simple narration of events, the book wades into philosophical waters, touching on such themes as life as a journey, the global and the local, personal identity and hybridity in a multicultural society. A very interesting book!"
Dr Antonio Pernia, SVD
Former Superior-General of the Society of the Divine Word

"An engaging work of fiction […] the narrative draws the reader in, providing the excitement of the story. At the same time, in and through the characters and events, it raises the most profound questions about human life. What a wonderful way to do philosophy, read fiction, and enrich one’s life!"
Dr Owen Cummings
Regents’ Professor of Theology and Academic Dean, Mount Angel Seminary, Oregon, USA

"Readers will take great delight in this gracefully written and evocative story of the Filipino boys and their funny and moving engagement with formative experiences that provoke the deepest questions. This charming and entertaining novel is a masterly example of how literature complements philosophy in the quest for human understanding, especially in the areas of family relationships, social justice, faith and national identity."

Dr Brendan Sweetman Professor of Philosophy, Rockhurst University, Missouri, USA

Buy This Book

ISBN: 1-4438-7425-6

ISBN13: 978-1-4438-7425-0

Release Date: 2nd March 2015

Pages: 220

Price: £47.99

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ISBN: 1-4438-7426-4

ISBN13: 978-1-4438-7426-7

Release Date: 18th March 2015

Pages: 220

Price: £32.99

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