F. Sionil Jose

Born to a poor Ilocano family in Rosales, Pangasinan, the setting of many of his stories, he attended the University of Santo Tomas after World War II, but dropped out and plunged into writing and journalism in Manila. In subsequent years, he edited various literary and journalistic publications, started a publishing house, and founded the Philippine branch of PEN, an international organization for writers. José received numerous awards for his work, with The Pretenders being his most well-read novel. It is the story of one man's alienation from his poor background and the decadence of his wife's wealthy family.

Throughout his career, his writings espouse social justice and change to better the lives of average Filipino families.

Novels