F. Sionil José's 1993 English novel, Viajero (Spanish for "The Wanderer"), delves into the Filipino people's enduring search for social justice, moral order, and a distinctive national identity. Its protagonist, Salvador dela Raza, is an orphan adopted by an African-American US military captain in 1945, who becomes a firsthand witness to the Filipino diaspora and struggles with the country's complex colonial legacy. Dela Raza is portrayed as a "nationalist hero" who uncovers lost Philippine history and bridges societal gaps, yet his American upbringing also highlights the "ideological interdependence" with the United States.
The novel comprehensively covers Philippine history from pre-colonial times through various "epic voyages," including Spanish contact, galleon trade, and modern Filipino migration. By drawing parallels with America's own historical shortcomings, Viajero encourages Filipino youth to learn from their past. Ultimately, the novel serves as a powerful call to action, inspiring a new generation to find solutions for national issues and addressing "the failed opportunity of the revolution" in creating lasting change.