Synopsis:

Si Amanda Bartolome ay isang pangkaraniwang babae – asawa ni Julian at ina ng limang anak na lalaki. Sa kanilang subdibisyon, pinakamalaking problema na niya ang mga kapitbahay nilang hindi na natapos magreklamo tungkol sa mga malokong batang Bartolome.

Ngunit ang panahon ng martial law ay hindi pangkaraniwang panahon. Sa pangunguna ng panganay nilang si Jules at ang kanyang pagsabak sa madugong rebolusyon, di maiiwasang harapin ng pamilya ang karahasan ng batas militar. Habang ang kanyang mga anak ay hinuhubog ng malagim na dekada, at nahahanap ang kanya-kanyang sariling adhikain sa gitna ng kaguluhan, tinatanong at tinutuklas din ni Amanda ang sarili kung ano nga ba ang kanyang tungkulin at kakanyahan bilang ina, bilang babae, bilang Pilipino.

Personal Thoughts:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Walang subersibo dito. Bakit magiging subersibo ang katotohanan?”
[Translation: There is nothing subversive here. Why will the truth be considered subversive?]
— Amanda Bartolome

This has been a historical Filipino classic novel that I should have read a long time ago and I am ashamed that I was only able to read it this year, but I have watched the movie numerous times for school. I have so many things to say and so many feelings about this book but I’m afraid that I would not be able to give Lualhati Bautista’s masterpiece justice.

In Dekada ’70, we follow Amanda and her search for self-freedom and self-worth in a world and time where not only human rights was oppressed, but also women’s rights oppression was very clearly present.

The novel honestly ignited a fire that has been burning within myself for four years now. It also made me realize how important each and everyone’s voices are when it comes to fighting for freedom, human rights, and our nation.

Reading this has been an eye-opener. There were honestly so many scenes in the book that gave me goosebumps as they are very fitting to the current events in our country. I hope that every Filipino would spend some of their time reading this award-winning novel at least once in their lifetime. I highly recommend this book as it is not an ordinary book, it will also educate everyone.