“Like writing, identity is an ongoing act of discovery. So is reading.” The words that open the new anthology A Clear Dawn: New Asian Voices from Aotearoa New Zealand are a promise for the rest of the book, the first-ever anthology of Asian-New Zealand writing. “I think, you know, the name of the … [Read more...]
Wikan Satriati (1975-2021)
May 11, 2021 by
Some personal reflections Ian Campbell Members of the far-flung networks of translators of Indonesian literary works were amongst those saddened to hear of the death of Wikan Satriati on Sunday 25 April 2021. Wikan died in Magelang, Java, as result of complications from COVID-19. She was … [Read more...]
Sergius Mencari Bacchus
May 10, 2021 by
Some writings can truly have devastating effects on the reader, and Sergius Mencari Bacchus (officially translated into English as Sergius Seeks Bacchus by Tiffany Tsao) is one of those. Every word, every line, every verse Norman Erikson Pasaribu penned down on this poetry collection not only sound, … [Read more...]
In Search of a Lost Fatherland (2) Rudy Kousbroek and Sitor Situmorang about Sumatra
May 9, 2021 by
After a stay of more than 30 years in Sumatra, I became attached to the country. In 1990 I came to Medan as a teacher of European history, the students were curious about the European story and I about that of Sumatra. I have had endless conversations with the Batak from the highlands, with the … [Read more...]
Q&A: Jesse Q. Sutanto, Author of ‘Dial A For Aunties’
May 9, 2021 by
Dial A For Aunties is a hilariously quirky novel that is equal parts murder mystery, rom-com, and a celebration of mothers and daughters as well as a deep dive into Chinese-Indonesian culture by author Jesse Q. Sutanto. We chat with Jesse about her latest release Dial A For Aunties, releasing her … [Read more...]
