Lualhati Bautista's Dekada '70 is a powerful and enduring work of Philippine literature that continues to speak to readers today. The book's exploration of the 1970s, a pivotal moment in Philippine history, offers a nuanced and insightful portrayal of life under martial law.
Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ’70 is more than just a historical novel; it is a foundational pillar of modern Philippine literature that captures the soul of a nation under the Martial Law era. First published in 1983, the book serves as a "living document" that chronicles the political awakening of a typical middle-class family as they navigate the repressive regime of Ferdinand Marcos. The Story: A Household Divided by History The narrative is famously told through the eyes of Amanda Bartolome
In one of the most quoted passages of the novel, Amanda reflects: lualhati bautista dekada 70
Lualhati Bautista (1945–2023), a prominent Filipino novelist and activist. Publication Date: Originally published in 1983. Genre: Historical Fiction / Political Drama.
The youngest son, who observes the family's struggles through the eyes of a child. Dekada '70: Amanda's Awakening | PDF - Scribd Lualhati Bautista's Dekada '70 is a powerful and
The eldest son who becomes a communist revolutionary.
The second son who joins the US Navy, representing a different form of escape or systemic involvement. First published in 1983, the book serves as
"Kung hindi ako kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan?" (If I don’t act, who will? If not now, when?)
By the novel’s end, Amanda is a widow (Julian dies of a heart attack, stressed by the chaos) and a warrior. She learns that silence is a form of violence. This transformation—from Amanda to Ina ng Masa —is why the book remains required reading in Filipino high schools and universities.
Throughout Dekada '70 , Bautista explores a range of themes and motifs that reflect the concerns of the time. Some of the dominant themes include: