A Child of Sorrow (1921) is a novel by Zoilo Galang. The novel,
Galang's debut, has been recognized as the first work of published
Filipino fiction written in English. Modeled after popular nineteenth
century romances written in Spanish and Tagalog, A Child of Sorrow is
a classic coming of age tale engaged with themes of friendship, desire,
and the loss of innocence. Simple and heartfelt, A Child of Sorrow
remains a groundbreaking work of literature from an author who dedicated
his career to education and the arts.
"In one of the rural and sequestered plains of Central Luzon, called the
Fertile Valley, where the rice fields yielded the cup of joy to the
industrious farmers, and where the harvest filled aplenty the barns of
the poor, there lived simple, homely people, free from the rush and stir
of city life." In this idyllic setting, Lucio and Camilo discuss their
plans for summer vacation. While Lucio, a dreamer "who painted brilliant
lives on the nice canvas of memory," wants to immerse himself in his
collection of books, Camilo wants his friend to join him in the world
beyond words. Together, they take a trip into town, hoping for adventure
and camaraderie--and, if possible, to meet a young woman to fall in love
with. Despite Camilo's encouragement, however, Lucio longs to write
poetry, to commune with the natural world with nothing but his own
thoughts to keep him company. One bright morning, he runs into Rosa
returning home with a pitcher of water. Before he can collect himself,
Lucio confesses his undying love.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Zoilo Galang's A Child of Sorrow is a classic work of
Filipino literature reimagined for modern readers.
