Book Review: “Chasing Windmills” by Maya Butalid || RMazing Bonanza S13 – Level 4
by ReadersMagnet | May 22, 2025 | Book Review | 0 Comments
Chasing Windmills is a powerful exploration of activism, migration, and cultural identity by Maya Butalid, whose journey bridges two nations, the Philippines and the Netherlands. This memoir captures her unwavering commitment to justice, her personal transformation as a migrant, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile her Filipino roots with her new life in the Netherlands.
A Life Rooted in Activism
Chasing Windmills is a profoundly moving and insightful collection of autobiographical stories by Maya Butalid. It chronicles a life shaped by political conviction, migration, and cultural duality. Born in 1957 in Cebu City, Philippines, Butalid came of age during the oppressive Marcos regime.
As a student at the University of the Philippines, she became actively involved in the resistance movement, dedicating herself to the cause of democracy and social justice. This formative experience laid the foundation for a life committed to advocacy and public service.
From the Philippines to the Netherlands
In 1983, Butalid’s activism took her to the Netherlands, where she was sent to continue her work abroad. This move began a long, complex journey of adaptation and self-discovery. Over time, her mission evolved from purely political to profoundly personal.
She grappled with the realities of being a migrant—learning Dutch, understanding new social norms, and rebuilding her identity in an unfamiliar land. Yet, she did not let go of her roots. Her stories reflect the difficulties and quiet triumphs of forging a life in a foreign country.
Navigating Identity and Belonging
The heart of Chasing Windmills lies in Butalid’s exploration of cultural identity. Through vivid storytelling, she examines what it means to live between two worlds: her Filipino heritage and her adopted Dutch home.
Particularly poignant are her reflections on motherhood—raising daughters in two cultures and helping them navigate their identities.
Butalid speaks candidly about the tensions of integration and the deep desire to preserve a cultural legacy. Her experiences resonate with anyone who has straddled multiple identities and struggled to balance.
Achievements in a New Land
Butalid’s journey is not only personal but also political. After earning a master’s degree in psychology from Tilburg University, she built a career in Dutch institutions and served as a city councilor in Tilburg. These accomplishments underscore her resilience and determination to contribute meaningfully to her new community.
Yet, her stories also confront the subtle and overt challenges migrants face—barriers to inclusion, questions of representation, and the ongoing work of building trust in a society that often sees migrants as outsiders.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The title Chasing Windmills is a fitting metaphor for Butalid’s journey. It evokes the image of striving for ideals that may seem unreachable—whether battling dictatorship, overcoming cultural barriers, or maintaining one’s identity in a foreign land.
But for Butalid, these pursuits are not in vain. They are acts of hope, persistence, and faith in the possibility of change. She approaches her struggles not with bitterness but with reflection and courage.
A Lasting Message of Cultural Pride
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this book is its final message: “No matter how integrated I may be in Dutch society, contributing and participating fully in this society does not make me less of a Filipino.” This powerful statement encapsulates the book’s essence.
Butalid’s journey is not about choosing between two identities but honoring both. Maya shows that it is possible to be fully engaged in one society while remaining deeply connected to another.
Conclusion: A Memoir of Purpose and Resilience
Chasing Windmills is more than a memoir—it celebrates the human spirit. Maya Butalid writes with clarity, compassion, and authenticity. Her stories are both personal and political, grounded in history but full of relevance for today.
Furthermore, this book will resonate with anyone who has searched for belonging, fought for justice, or carried their homeland in their heart.
Whether you’re interested in stories of migration, cultural identity, or the intersection of personal and political life, Chasing Windmills is a compelling and necessary read. Get a copy today and be inspired by Maya Butalid’s journey of resilience, purpose, and pride. The book is available on Amazon. Learn more about Maya and her works by visiting her website at https://www.mayabutalid.com/.
