Francisco Sionil José, born December 3, 1924, is one of the most well-read Filipino writers in the English language. His series of novels and short stories depict the social underpinnings of class struggles and colonialism in Filipino society.

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

• The Pretenders (1962)
• Dusk
• Don Vicente