In intimate detail, Indonesian writer Pasaribu’s debut collection explores the way colonial violence and anti-queer prejudice permeate contemporary culture. Looking through a queer lens, the reader is invited to witness the psychic damage done by heteronormativity and homophobia. As hinted in the … [Read more...]
Happy Stories, Mostly
April 20, 2023 by
Poet Pasaribu makes their English-language debut with a remarkable collection of speculative and absurdist fiction incorporating Batak and Christian culture. In an introductory note, Pasaribu riffs on the Indonesian word hampir (almost), and its implications for queer people (“What does it mean to … [Read more...]
The Indonesian Table
April 20, 2023 by
“I have a vision for modern Indonesian cuisine,” writes Pandean-Elliott (Jakarta Bites) in this comprehensive exploration of her homeland’s major gastronomic regions: “to preserve the great traditions of classic recipes while exploring exciting, new possibilities.” The U.K.-based chef identifies … [Read more...]
English PEN announces shortlist for PEN Presents
April 19, 2023 by
13 titles representing 10 languages from 13 territories have been shortlisted for the second round of PEN Presents, English PEN’s award for sample translations. PEN Presents aims to fund literary translators’ work of creating samples, give publishers better access to titles from underrepresented … [Read more...]
#35 Burung-Burung Manyar
April 15, 2023 by
As my commitment to the world of literacy, I always try to write reviews of books I read in English using Bahasa Indonesia. And since I am going to review an Indonesian book, I will deliberately review the book in English. Burung-Burung manyar is a novel by Y.B. Mangunwijaya which was first … [Read more...]
