Bamboo in the Wind

by Azucena Grajo Uranza

Larry Esteva, coming home from studies in Boston, witnesses at the airport a riotous demonstration that is forcibly dispersed by the military. The end of his journey turns out to be the beginning of an odyssey in his beloved city where he finds "an insidious lawlessness creeping upon the land."

Set in Manila in the last beleaguered months before the politico-military takeover in 1972, Bamboo in the Wind tells of the last desperate efforts of a people fighting to stave off disaster. Amid the escalating madness of a regime gone berserk, an odd assortment of people—a senator, a young nationalist, a dispossessed farmer, a radical activist, a convent school girl, a Jesuit scholastic—make their way along the labyrinthine corridors of greed and power. Each is forced to examine his own commitment in the face of brutality and evil, as the book conjures up scene after scene of devastation: the massacre of the demonstrators, the demolition of Sapang Bato, the murder of the sugar plantation workers, the burning of the Laguardia rice fields. And, as a climax to the mounting violence, that final September day—the arrests, the torture, and finally, the darkness that overtakes the land.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, School

309 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Rezl Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bamboo in the Wind is a very realistic and detailed portrayal of the Philippines during the Marcos era. The characters were quite believable because of their flaws and strengths, the setting was described in a very vivid manner and the story itself never showed any dull moment. What is bad about this book, however, is its one-sided commentary on the governmental issues in the Philippines during this period. It mostly stressed on the idea that Marcos's rule was never fair and that it was absolutely unjust and brutal, although this hardly really was the case. Bamboo in the Wind will suit young adults and adults alike; however, it is not for the weak-hearted. All in all, this novel receives three stars from me. :)

edit (June 29, 2019): I am now aware of the evils brought about by the Marcos regime (thank you, college education) and I want to clarify that I AM NOT PRO-MARCOS AND I NEVER WILL BE. Thank you.

[Jamie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had to read this book as requirement for our English class. When I started reading, I couldn't stop. There was so much action and emotion and the setting was so vivid and familiar. It was about the happenings before former President Marcos declared Martial Law in my homeland, the Philippines. I didn't realize there's more to those dark times than what we were taught in History class. I was absolutely horrified when Uranza described all the merciless killings, chaotic demonstrations, and especially that terrible fire that ruined most of the Laguardia rice fields. I wasn't really born yet during that time but I felt like I was there and that I was also suffering like those other Filipinos. I learned a lot. I am a student. I am one of those idealist types and I really identified with the youth in the novel. This novel is one of my best reads. I hope others will enjoy it as well.

[Secret · Rating 5 out of 5]

sdsdsd

[Haruno Hiyori · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has a good premise and provides plenty of historical insight. With that said, there were too many characters introduced all at once, to the point where it became overwhelming.

[Sofie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters were not really rounded or developed so they come off as boring. It's believable enough, what you would expect of something about the Martial Law period. I just think it's quite shallow;it did go into the different sectors of society but it just didn't cut it out for me. Er, so if I were to base my review in one word, it would be 'underdeveloped'.

[Raymond Lorenzo Racela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow I think I wanted the characters to be a bit more lovable. So it didn't really hurt me that much when they all started to die . The plot is okay. I don't think stories about the Marcos Era are new to me anymore though. I also like the author's message. Oh well :D

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing novel that captured the events surrounding the proclamation of Martial Law in the Philippines, in voices that are both sad and defiant, mirroring how the nation felt at the time.

[Lyka Ana]

hmmm, I don't think so :)

[Kim at Divergent Gryffindor]

Did not finish, just read the first two chapters. I never really like books required by our school. -.-

[Edeloujane Entero · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think its nice if i can read it first?