In the Claws of Brightness (Filipino: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag), is a 1986 Tagalog language novel written by Filipino author Edgardo M. Reyes, originally serialized in the weekly Liwayway magazine from 1967 to 1968. The title In the Claws of Brightness is a literal word-for-word translation of the Tagalog title, which as a phrase effectively makes little sense in English. A more practical English translation would be At the Verge of Dawn. The story became the basis for the award-winning Filipino film, Manila in the Claws of Light.

Summary

Julio, a poor fisherman, goes to Manila to search for his betrothed named Ligaya. Sometime before Julio's trip, Ligaya had left with a lady named Mrs. Cruz in order to study and work in the city. Now in Manila, Julio becomes a victim to some of the city's scums. Julio experiences abuses while working in a construction site. He eventually loses his job and desperately looks for a decent place where he can sleep. Slowly, Julio develops a cynical demeanor as he gradually loses hope of ever finding Ligaya. All this is put on hold, however, when Julio finally reunites Ligaya, and learns from her that she is a victim of sex trafficking. Julio and Ligaya plan to escape.

Film adaptation

The 1975 adaptation of the book entitled Manila in the Claws of Light was directed by award-winning director Lino Brocka. The script was written by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr. Jose Capino, writing for Criterion, noted that the film was met with "charges of anti-Chinese racism from reviewers."

Translation

The book had been translated into Japanese by Motoe Terami-Wada. The novel, retitled as Manila: Hikaru Tsume (マニラ : 光る爪) had become a bestselling book in Japan.