The Reign of Greed by Jose Rizal

“The Reign of Greed” by José Rizal is the powerful sequel to Noli Me Tangere, offering a darker and more mature perspective on Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Written in the late 19th century, the novel exposes deep social injustices and the growing unrest among the oppressed Filipino people.

The story follows Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, now navigating the treacherous waters of political resistance as he clashes with colonial authorities and the influential friars. The novel opens aboard a steamer on the Pasig River, a symbolic backdrop that contrasts the privilege of the wealthy elite with the struggles of the common people below deck. As Ibarra’s quest for reform intensifies, personal sacrifices and tragic events unfold, painting a sobering picture of colonial rule. Through intertwined tales of ambition, oppression, and defiance, Rizal delivers a searing critique of the era’s injustices, making this novel a vital historical and political statement.