Introduction

The novel Flag On the Summit is about the dreams of two young girls, Jentilla and Palmina, who belonged to two humble families of Bolchugri, a non-descript place in a non-descript town. They lived in an environment where even dreaming big was impossible.

Friendship and Aspirations

They grew together since childhood along with their other friends Chinche, Hilla, and Milche. While Palmina wanted to become a doctor, Jentilla aspired to be a magistrate. With those two aims like two flags waving at them, they began their journey towards it.

Challenges and Triumphs

But halfway, Jentilla's father, the sole breadwinner of the family, died, and Jentilla fell into depression. The people of Bolchugri were ignorant of depression and offered no help; instead, they ridiculed and taunted her. Even her own mother was unable to help her understand or recover from her depression. With no support from society, her condition worsened.

Against all odds, Palmina became a doctor with the relentless support of her parents and eventually a psychiatrist. She remained steadfast in her decision and never gave up on her dream.

Friends and Their Stories

Chinche was the only daughter of a drunkard father, a neighbor, and a childhood friend of Palmina, caring for two young brothers after her mother's death. She became a mother and sister to them, seeking love and care, which she found briefly in her relationships. Her search for love and care was misunderstood, and she was branded as a scarlet girl. She lived with that tag but ultimately found her own path.

Hilla, another childhood friend of Palmina and Jentilla, was the only daughter of well-off doctor parents and never lacked anything in life, born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Milche was the only daughter of a wealthy widow and never experienced hard times. Despite their differences in age and background, all five friends grew together and shared many childhood adventures.