Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

The book opens with Carlos' father using water buffalo to plow his field in the barrio in Binalonan. Carlos thinks he sees his brother Leon and goes running out to his father who tells him that his brother is still fighting in Europe and doesn't know if he is still alive. There is a stranger walking toward their home. Carlos points him out to his father. They discover the man is his brother Leon. This is Carlos' first meeting with his brother who has been away at war. Carlos is five years old at the time.

There is social agitation in the Philippines at this time. The younger generation has initiated a movement for change and national independence. The rural areas are filled with farmers who farm for the bacienderos, who are the landowners. The Bulosan family works on four hectares...