Smaller and Smaller Circles: A Deep Dive Into F.H. Batacan’s Ground-Breaking Crime Novel

Introduction to "Smaller and Smaller Circles"

"Smaller and Smaller Circles" by Filipino author Felisa H. Batacan is widely credited with opening the floodgates for crime and detective fiction in the Philippines. First published in 1999, the novel introduces readers to a chilling series of murders in Payatas, Manila’s largest garbage dump, and to two Jesuit priests who refuse to let the victims be forgotten. In this article we explore the plot, characters, themes, and cultural influence of this award-winning book, as well as why it remains essential reading for fans of crime literature.

Plot Summary

The story begins when the mutilated body of a young boy is discovered amid the towering mountains of trash in Payatas. Father Augusto Saenz, a forensic anthropologist, and his protégé Father Jerome Lucero, a psychologist, are called in by the National Bureau of Investigation to help identify the killer. As the bodies pile up, the duo navigates bureaucratic red tape, institutional corruption, and their own moral dilemmas. Their pursuit leads them into an increasingly claustrophobic circle of suspects, culminating in an intense showdown that forces the priests to confront what justice means in a society where the poor are invisible.

Main Characters

Father Augusto Saenz

Fr. Saenz is a seasoned forensic expert in his sixties, respected yet often underestimated within law-enforcement circles. His quiet persistence and scientific rigor make him the moral compass of the investigation.

Father Jerome Lucero

Younger and more hot-blooded than Saenz, Fr. Lucero adds psychological profiling skills to the partnership. His empathy for the victims highlights the human cost of the crimes.

The Payatas Killer

Batacan crafts a murderer whose motives are rooted in neglect and systematic failure. The killer’s identity, revealed late in the book, is both shocking and tragically logical within the novel’s social context.

Supporting Cast

Journalists, local officials, and law-enforcement officers fill out a believable backdrop that mirrors the intricate—and often flawed—machinery of Philippine society. Each character sheds light on themes of power, class, and accountability.

Key Themes and Motifs

Social Injustice

The novel exposes the systemic inequality faced by Manila’s urban poor. Payatas, as a setting, is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, symbolizing neglect and marginalization.

Corruption and Bureaucracy

Batacan critiques governmental and ecclesiastical institutions that prioritize reputation over responsibility. The priests’ struggle against red tape underscores how corruption hampers justice.

Faith and Morality

By featuring clerical detectives, the story frames its ethical questions within a religious context. Saenz and Lucero grapple with the tension between divine forgiveness and earthly justice.

The Science of Detection

Unlike many regional crime stories that rely on action, "Smaller and Smaller Circles" leans on forensics and psychology, showcasing the importance of scientific methods in solving crimes.

Cultural Significance

When Batacan’s manuscript won the Palanca Grand Prize and the Philippine National Book Award, it signaled a new chapter for Filipino genre fiction. The book provided local readers with a culturally resonant alternative to Western detective stories, while international readers gained insight into Philippine realities. Its success encouraged publishers to take risks on crime and mystery titles written by Filipino authors.

Film Adaptation

In 2017, "Smaller and Smaller Circles" was adapted into a feature film directed by Raya Martin, starring Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero. The film retained the novel’s grim atmosphere and social commentary, bringing the story to a wider audience. While some subplots were condensed, the movie captured the core message: that justice, though elusive, is worth pursuing even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Why You Should Read It Today

Beyond its page-turning suspense, "Smaller and Smaller Circles" offers a poignant exploration of faith, science, and morality. Readers looking for diverse voices in crime fiction will find Batacan’s writing both refreshing and unsettling. The novel’s focus on marginalized communities also makes it a relevant text for discussions on social justice, making it perfect for book clubs and academic courses alike.

Buying Guide

The novel is available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats from international retailers such as Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local Philippine bookstores like National Book Store and Fully Booked. Look for the expanded 2015 Soho Crime edition, which features additional chapters that enrich character backstories and tighten the investigative timeline.

Final Thoughts

"Smaller and Smaller Circles" stands as a landmark in Filipino literature, seamlessly blending the thrills of a crime novel with profound social commentary. F.H. Batacan’s meticulous attention to forensic detail, coupled with heartfelt empathy for society’s most vulnerable, ensures that the book resonates long after the final page. Whether you’re a mystery aficionado or a reader seeking stories that challenge societal norms, this novel deserves a spot on your shelf.