The public and filmmakers have started to shift their gaze from the more mainstream fiction novels. There was a long period when local mainstream novelists ruled the best-seller list and the silver screen. Indonesian novelists such as Ika Natassa (Critical Eleven), Ilana Tan (Winter in Tokyo), … [Read more...]
Independent Spirit: LGBTQ Voices in Publishing
April 30, 2023 by
Mainstream publishing’s LGBTQ content today resembles the transgressive indie fare of a decade ago. Poet Ocean Vuong’s queer coming-of-age novel, the 2019 Penguin Press release On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, is a book club staple. Last year, MCD x FSG Originals resurrected Imogen Binnie’s … [Read more...]
‘Book of Beasts’ exhibit explores Goenawan Mohamad’s joy of the unexpected
March 12, 2023 by
Renowned poet, essayist, playwright and editor Goenawan Mohamad presents his first exhibition of prints, created during his artist-in-residence program at the DEVFTO Printmaking Institute. Goenawan Mohamad's Kitab Hewan: Book of Beasts exhibition is open from Feb. 3 to March 5 at Sika Gallery in … [Read more...]
Awi Chin’s debut a presents overdue Chinese-Indonesian representation
January 7, 2023 by
With his debut novel Yang Tak Kunjung Usai (Never Ending), Awi Chin proves that an Indonesian coming-of-age story does not require foreign or dystopian settings to be good. As a matter of fact, the novel brings up historical events related to an issue rarely discussed: the lack of Chinese-Indonesian … [Read more...]
‘Well, That Was Unexpected’: A novel filled with charm, wit and growing pains
October 8, 2022 by
In her new novel for young adults, Jesse Q. Sutanto again cooks up a humorous story that includes intrusive parents and overbearing but lovable relatives. One and a half years ago, Indonesian writer Jesse Q. Sutanto landed the literary surprise hit Dial A for Aunties. For the hilarious … [Read more...]
