The short novel offers a strikingly intimate perspective on childhood. In ‘Childhood’, a semi-autobiographical account of his early life, Leo Tolstoy wrote: “What better time is there in our lives than when the two best of virtues — innocent gaiety and a boundless yearning for affection —are our … [Read more...]
Review
“The Dog Meows, the Cat Barks” by Eka Kurniawan
April 12, 2026 by
Eka Kurniawan’s The Dog Meows, the Cat Barks follows the coming of age of Sato Reang, a mischievous boy growing up in a small Indonesian town, whose life moves between childhood pranks, religious pressure, friendship with the deeply pious Jamal, and the consequences of choosing rebellion over … [Read more...]
Book Review: Jakarta, a History – SUSAN ABEYASEKERE
March 24, 2026 by
For 320 years ultimate power to administer affairs in the region of west Java now known as Jakarta lay in the hands of representatives of a European nation. Like many cities in Europe and the Mediterranean, which coalesced around forts or castles, the casteel Batavia, combining political, military, … [Read more...]
In Felix Nesi’s debut novel, residents of West Timor grapple with violence, religious and political power, and inner turmoil
March 17, 2026 by
Indonesia. Unless you are Indonesian by birth or marriage, the name might conjure images of peaceful havens in Bali, stunning batik textiles, or the aroma of premium coffee. Felix Nesi is determined to change this. Nesi is a rising Indonesian novelist and short-story writer who draws on his West … [Read more...]
Nothing ‘Normal’ Happens in “Orang-Orang Bloomington” by Budi Darma
March 3, 2026 by
Is the main character… alright? (Genuinely asking lol) I just finished this 212 page short story collection by Budi Darma and reading it felt like I had stumbled onto someone’s anonymous morally messy diary or like someone’s private Twitter account where they dump all their most … [Read more...]