5.4.18

Book Review #27

I read a lot of books.  Once in awhile, a particular book stands out.  This happen to me with "Beauty is a Wound" by Eka Kurniawan, an Indonesian writer. 


This is one of those epic novels, several generations of a family, lots of characters coming and going, really weaving in and out of the narrative.  Mixed in is a history of Indonesia, as a Dutch colony, through the Japanese occupation, then the Communist revolts.  The story also contains elements of Indonesia myth, ghosts and religious figures. 

The writing style can be confusing, as the story jumps around in time, divergent elements of the story are introduced without any transition, characters seem to have no connection, but, in the end, everything makes sense.  There's a certain sadness about the story, but also hope in the end.

All in all, a wonderful book and highly recommended.  The translation to English seems excellent.  Read it.


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