A CHILD OF SORROW
“A Child of Sorrow” is a 1921 novel by the Filipino author, Zoilo Galang. It is considered
as the very first Filipino novel written in English.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Zoilo Galang (1895-1959) was a Filipino author from Pampanga and was credited as one
of the pioneering Filipino writers who worked with the English language.
He finished studies at the Pampanga High School. He initially worked as a stenographer
working in both Spanish and English languages. Galang also pursued studies to pursue a
career as a lawyer but there are no records to indicate if he did finish his law studies.
He became known for his publications written in English. He is known for being responsible
for the first publication of several Philippine works in English such as A Child in Sorrow
(1921), Tales of the Philippines (1921), Life and Success (1921), and The Box of Ashes
and Other Stories (1924).
He also worked to get 20 volumes of encyclopedia featuring Philippine-related subjects in
1957. The publication of such collection was hindered due to its manuscript being burned
during World War II yet they were successfully able to publish the 3rd edition after the
fires.
SUMMARY:
The story was set one summer when Lucio Soliman decided to accompany his friend
Camilo in the beautiful town of Merry Town, Camilo's hometown. Lucio was a very poetic man
who'd prefer sitting all day just to read. But because his friend was too eager to show his friend the
reality of life, he insisted that Lucio must take a vacation in their town.
There he met a young, innocent, and delicate maiden that made Lucio's heart beat by the
name of Rosa Garcia. He fell in love with her. And as Lucio describe the love he felt towards this
girl, he said it will make Apollo's lyre play. He was madly in love. Rosa felt the same towards
Lucio.
Until the end of summer vacation drew near and they knew they have to be temporarily
apart. Lucio have to pursue his dreams. He became very busy, but still he misses the company of
his dearest loved. He became sorrowful. Not until Rosa wrote a letter to make him. Then he
regained his strength. They have not forgotten the love that empowers both of them. Until a
celebration in Merry Town paved way for the lovers to reunite. Lucio was invited to speak in the
public. But the Governor (Rosa's Father) was not please and he has this ill feeling towards Lucio.
Days, week, and months had passed a lot of people were surprise of the news that Rosa
will get married not to Lucio, but to Oscar (her father’s most trusted man). But because Lucio was
to obedient to his parent, he permitted Rosa to marry Oscar which made both of them sorrowful.
It was hard for him. But he just wanted Rosa to follow her parents. Though Rosa does not want
to marry Oscar, she was forced to because she was raped. For the sake of her " delicadesa" she was
betrothed to Oscar.
Later had passed Lucio's father died, and after several weeks his love, Rosa died. This
made Lucio felt a lot more of sorrow.
REFERENCES:
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http://humsslabnhs.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-child-of-sorrow-romantic-novel-by.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoilo_Galang