Reviews

TW // heavy depictions of rape and violence throughout the book

Beauty is a Wound is a well written, satirical magical-realism depicting the history of Indonesia.

The titular theme of the book ‘Beauty is a Wound’ is depicted through the constant violence that the women in this book face. And whilst I would love to buy into the idea that this book is critiquing this when line is so vaguely drawn and it even seems to rejoice in recounting this rape. It is a well made satire and allegory and I can see why it is not only so enjoyed but important. However, it was just too rapey. And you could argue that’s the point due to the themes and troubles it depicts but - it’s a mixed bag I keep going back and forth on.
I will say though my favourite story from this was one of the more violent (incesty, murdery) ones - Krisan, Rengganis and Ai’s story. It was so well crafted and structured and the way the whole thing unfolded and then fell into not only the rest of the book but linked back to previous interactions. The story is incredibly well crafted and thought through overall.

Maybe in a few years I’ll read this book again with more context over the history. I think this book needed more time and thinking than I was willing to give it.

virishin's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

⭐4.6/5

Aku. Suka. Banget!!

Untuk yg mau baca, harap siapkan mental agar tidak gila. Pesanku: STAY SANE!

Aku nggak bakal bahas tentang trigger warning dari buku ini karena semua orang yg sudah tertarik pun pasti sudah nggak asing dengan betapa kontroversialnya buku sastra ini

carolhamano's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark medium-paced

1.5

So many trigger warnings.

jannagregory's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional sad medium-paced

2.5

I respect this book, but don’t like it very much. It’s quite an epic work on the part of the author and translator, but it meanders and leaves a character’s storyline just as I was starting to feel engrossed. There is a resolution if you can stick it out and finish the book, but it’s often tedious getting there. Lots of rape, death, sex, and men being captivated by beauty to the detriment of the beautiful.

biank4's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

blssdlullaby's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

i will never recover from this.

heavy TW for rape, misogyny, and abuse

More...