Maya Butalid’s “Chasing Windmills,” an Account of Activism, Migration, and Identity, Will Be Displayed at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

The Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest and most influential gathering for the publishing industry, will once again abound with authors, publishers, readers, and industry professionals from different corners of the world. The book trade fair will take place as usual at the Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, from October 15 to 19, 2025. This year, ReadersMagnet will feature a variety of inspiring works at stand 6.0 A12, including “Chasing Windmills,” the powerful memoir of Maya Butalid.

Born in 1957 in Cebu City, Philippines, Butalid lived through a turbulent political era. While studying at the University of the Philippines, she became deeply involved in the fight against the Marcos dictatorship. Her activism eventually took her to the Netherlands in 1983, where she continued her work until stepping away from the political movement in 1993. From there, she built a new chapter in her life, pursuing higher education, learning Dutch, and earning a master’s degree in psychology from Tilburg University.

“Chasing Windmills” offers a rare and personal account of what it means to live between two worlds. Butalid shares the struggles and triumphs of being a migrant: raising daughters in a bicultural environment, adapting to new institutions, and even stepping into Dutch politics as a city councilor in Tilburg. Her stories reflect resilience, cultural integration, and the ongoing balancing act between embracing a new home while holding on to one’s roots.

“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,” Butalid emphasizes.

Her memoir serves as both a historical reflection and a contemporary inspiration for readers navigating questions of identity, belonging, and the concept of home. Visitors to the Frankfurt Book Fair will find Maya Butalid’s “Chasing Windmills” at ReadersMagnet’s stand. Get a copy today on Amazon.

“Chasing Windmills”
Author: Maya Butalid
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: 8 Letters Bookstore & Publishing
Published date: November 27, 2024

Author Bio
Maya Butalid, born in 1957 in Cebu City, Philippines, is a Filipina author, former political activist, and migrant advocate. While studying at the University of the Philippines, she became active in opposing the Marcos dictatorship. In 1983, she moved to the Netherlands to continue her activism. After leaving the political movement in 1993, she earned a master’s in psychology and worked in Dutch institutions. A former city councilor, Butalid balances Filipino identity with her life in the Netherlands while supporting Philippine development.

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