In a time when posting anything critical about religion on social media can land you in jail, author Feby Indirani released a collection of short stories that pretty much pokes fun at Islamic belief and its believers. The 19 stories in Bukan Perawan Maria, published by Pabrikultur, ask readers … [Read more...]
New voice in Indonesian poetry
May 20, 2017 by
A young poet that explores homosexuality through his work offers a breath of fresh air to the Indonesian literary scene. Norman Erikson Pasaribu, 26, said he was thrilled when he found out that his poetry collection Sergius Mencari Bacchus (Sergius Searches for Bacchus) had won a Jakarta Arts … [Read more...]
The most anticipated books of 2017
May 20, 2017 by
Another year, another bounty of books! To cover every book the Readings team is excited about would be impossible, but here is a sample of the books we are looking forward to in 2017. International fiction Several much-loved authors return after long breaks with new novels: Paul Auster’s 4 3 2 … [Read more...]
Putting some color into poetry
May 4, 2017 by
Renowned poet Sapardi Djoko Damono is now part of the coloring book-for-adults craze, thanks to the initiative of former students. Gramedia Pustaka Utama publishing company has re-released Sapardi’s legendary poetry collection Hujan Bulan Juni (Rain in June) with a set of black-and-white … [Read more...]
One novel; two very different versions
November 23, 2014 by
Andrea Hirata's novel "The Rainbow Troops" is the first Indonesian novel to become an international bestseller. Interestingly, the version available outside Indonesia is very different to the one familiar to Indonesian readers. Bettina David explores why. With a population of 240 million, … [Read more...]