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greencalcite's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It took me maybe 5 years to get around to finishing this story. Wow, absolutely wild and lush writing from Eka Kurniawan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Colonisation, Rape, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Animal cruelty, and War
iellv's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Ugh. Sometimes this book is brilliant, but most of the time I wanted to bash my head against a wall. Or kill someone. Reading this was like watching Oro, Plata, Mata (1982): horrifying, entertaining, a bit meandering and desperately needing a huge edit, and for more than half the time I was begging someone to end it all. Or end me. Everyone is either pretty, neurotic, murderous, horny, or rapey. I never did finish that movie, but I did finish this one, and I feel like I should be compensated for it.
Don’t go into this expecting something truly profound. I made this exact mistake maybe 75% of the way in (it took forever before I could force myself to pick this up again, so I forgot how to read this book) and would have dropped the book if I hadn’t bought it. Once I accepted that it’s an epic and would have to endure the same amount of rage, disgust, and amusement I feel from reading myths and folk tales, I bumped this up from 2.8 stars to 3.0. (Edit: nvm lol I got a bit angrier bc I thought abt it again 😭 back to 2.8 stars)
As an epic and as a look into Indonesian history and colonialism, this really delivered in the first half. I was floored by the many similarities between Indonesian colonial history and Philippine colonial history (hence why a good chunk of this book reminded me so much of oro, plata, mata). We lost some of that fire, wonder, and comedy in the latter half. The book lost some of its focus—or maybe I should say it didn’t do very well with its main theme.
It was very male-centric, which isn’t surprising if you think about it, but given the main theme of the book? Given everything Dewi Ayu as a character represents and criticizes? It made me angry to see how much the stories sympathized with the male characters (who were all rapists and pedophiles btw) and how some of them even got their happy endings. A good bulk of the book focused on them, whereas the women suffered like 98% of the time. I didn’t mind at first, but eventually it just became gratuitous, as it really felt like the author never afforded the same level of attention and sympathy to the women. Which is absolutely crazy to me. In the end, any attempts at examining their fates or criticizing the world around them were relegated to single sentences (at least, after Dewi Ayu’s arc, which was appallingly short when you consider the rest of the book) or at best, two pages. I can find more if I dig harder, but if I have to dig harder when it comes to a theme, was it really done effectively?
Whatever. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, but I can’t bring myself to give a lower rating.
So even if you’re on the fence about the book, I still recommend it. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this book was great, personally. It is what it is. If you can stomach the things men get up to in myths, then by all means dive in. I can’t—not without something to punch or someone to complain to—so that sentiment definitely affected my reading experience.
Last warning: since it’s so male-centric and they throw the concept of rape around like it’s practically nothing, the messaging gets REALLY REALLY off at certain parts, esp in the latter half. Please tread carefully. While I do think we can attribute that to the men themselves, given that there’s little to no significant thematic resolution for the women (if there was one it was incredibly weak), the justification and normalization rape can be VERY distressing.
RIP to the ones who got the least justice in the book btw: women, dogs, and communists. Babies too i guess.
And imagine my horror (and eventual resignation) at finding out “Beauty Is A Wound” was quoted by Krisan, the rotten cherry on top of this shitcake—no offense to Eka Kurniawan. I still think the author has a lot of truly brilliant moments in this book, and though I’m glad it exists, I still would like come compensation for powering through this. And for realizing we were ending the book with Krisan. Krisan!
Special mention: Comrade Kliwon. You were surprisingly a joy to read and identify with. If only you didn’t stiff prostitutes, treat them so shitty, annoy the hell out of Dewi Ayu, groom two girls, and kidnap one of them.
Don’t go into this expecting something truly profound. I made this exact mistake maybe 75% of the way in (it took forever before I could force myself to pick this up again, so I forgot how to read this book) and would have dropped the book if I hadn’t bought it. Once I accepted that it’s an epic and would have to endure the same amount of rage, disgust, and amusement I feel from reading myths and folk tales, I bumped this up from 2.8 stars to 3.0. (Edit: nvm lol I got a bit angrier bc I thought abt it again 😭 back to 2.8 stars)
As an epic and as a look into Indonesian history and colonialism, this really delivered in the first half. I was floored by the many similarities between Indonesian colonial history and Philippine colonial history (hence why a good chunk of this book reminded me so much of oro, plata, mata). We lost some of that fire, wonder, and comedy in the latter half. The book lost some of its focus—or maybe I should say it didn’t do very well with its main theme.
It was very male-centric, which isn’t surprising if you think about it, but given the main theme of the book? Given everything Dewi Ayu as a character represents and criticizes? It made me angry to see how much the stories sympathized with the male characters (who were all rapists and pedophiles btw) and how some of them even got their happy endings. A good bulk of the book focused on them, whereas the women suffered like 98% of the time. I didn’t mind at first, but eventually it just became gratuitous, as it really felt like the author never afforded the same level of attention and sympathy to the women. Which is absolutely crazy to me. In the end, any attempts at examining their fates or criticizing the world around them were relegated to single sentences (at least, after Dewi Ayu’s arc, which was appallingly short when you consider the rest of the book) or at best, two pages. I can find more if I dig harder, but if I have to dig harder when it comes to a theme, was it really done effectively?
Whatever. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, but I can’t bring myself to give a lower rating.
So even if you’re on the fence about the book, I still recommend it. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this book was great, personally. It is what it is. If you can stomach the things men get up to in myths, then by all means dive in. I can’t—not without something to punch or someone to complain to—so that sentiment definitely affected my reading experience.
Last warning: since it’s so male-centric and they throw the concept of rape around like it’s practically nothing, the messaging gets REALLY REALLY off at certain parts, esp in the latter half. Please tread carefully. While I do think we can attribute that to the men themselves, given that there’s little to no significant thematic resolution for the women (if there was one it was incredibly weak), the justification and normalization rape can be VERY distressing.
And imagine my horror (and eventual resignation) at finding out “Beauty Is A Wound” was quoted by Krisan, the rotten cherry on top of this shitcake—no offense to Eka Kurniawan. I still think the author has a lot of truly brilliant moments in this book, and though I’m glad it exists, I still would like come compensation for powering through this. And for realizing we were ending the book with Krisan. Krisan!
Special mention: Comrade Kliwon. You were surprisingly a joy to read and identify with. If only you didn’t stiff prostitutes, treat them so shitty, annoy the hell out of Dewi Ayu, groom two girls, and kidnap one of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, War, Child death, Sexual violence, Suicide, Colonisation, Incest, Misogyny, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Rape, Pedophilia, and Sexual harassment
deathbear's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is well written. I liked learning political indonesian history through it. The female characters are the most interesting characters in the book, but most of the focus is on the men who court them. The begining of the book that focused on Dewi Ayu hooked me. When it changed narrative towards Shodancho, Kliwon and Maman Gendeng, it was a struggle to empathize with their motives...
I would read other works by this author and I definitely want to seek out more Indonesian authors.
I would read other works by this author and I definitely want to seek out more Indonesian authors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Incest, Pedophilia, and Rape
tomedling's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, and Pedophilia
thegodfather's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Murder, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexism, Suicide, Torture, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Incest, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Classism, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and War
readerinthedale's review against another edition
dark
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Violence, Suicide, Incest, Animal death, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Death, Pedophilia, War, Colonisation, and Rape
Minor: Abortion, Miscarriage, Excrement, and Infidelity
lattermild's review against another edition
Ett eller annet sted i denne fortellingen er det nok et poeng, og boka starter bra, men nå har de siste 150 sidene (minst) handlet bare om sex, manisk "forelskelse" som kun er basert på utseendet (inkludert en besettelse med en åtte år gammel jente!) og voldtekt. SÅ MYE voldtekt. CW for det ganger 1000. Og jeg orker ikke 200 sider til.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Pedophilia
liagatha's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Colonisation, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Genocide, Gore, Incest, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, and War
raaaeanne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Pedophilia, and Colonisation
Moderate: Incest, Violence, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, and Death
Minor: Animal cruelty and Excrement
vetathebooksurfer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The story covers most of the XX century's history of Indonesia, including World War II, Japanese invasion, growth to independancy, rise of communists - all of this is told in a form of folklore surrounding main character's - Dewi Ayu's - family. You would never guess it involves the element of mystery, and every time you are presented with a fictional element, you know it's bound to have a legitimate explanation.
I liked how most of the characters were morally grey and some were plainly evil. Mostly you'd expect communitsts to be the bad guys in every single novel you read, and here the politics had nothing to do with how a person was with others. For the most part the relationships were handled well, with a variety of ways life can go, although in one storyline the r*pe was forgiven, which is questionable.
...A number of nuns tried to persuade her to take the vows of poverty, purity, and chastity. “There’s no way,” she said. “If every woman took a vow like that, humans would go extinct like the dinosaurs.”
“Have you become a communist?” asked his mother, almost in despair. “Only a communist would be so gloomy.”
“I’m in love,” said Kliwon to his mother.
“That’s even worse!”
Now, after finishing the dinner that Kamino had given her, Farida found herself once again chatting with her dad, as if death didn’t exist, until she remembered and said:
“But you are dead, Daddy!”
“Well don’t be too jealous of me,” said her father, “you’ll get your turn someday.”
She passed by a group of four soldiers, and she stopped them.
“Have you killed my husband?”
“This time yes we have, Madam,” said their leader, “and we extend our condolences.”
“Where did you put his corpse?”
“Go straight for about a hundred meters, and there you will find his body, already surrounded by flies. We crucified him on a mango tree first.”
“Is he in a sack?”
“In a sack,” replied the soldier, “curled up like a baby.”
“See you later.”
“Later.”
RUS:
У нас есть тетенька. Тетенька прожила нехилую жизнь, весьма тесно связанная с историей Индонезии в целом. У тетеньки была семья. В этой семье было много горя, но и любовь, какая-никакая, тоже была.
Мне очень понравилось, как автор поровну демонизирует всех, а не только местных, голландцев или коммунистов: если человек - скотина, то здесь это не имеет отношения к их политическим взглядам. Однако не очень понравилась линия, что одному из персонажей простилось изнасилование, вроде как его достаточно жизнь наказала.
Любимые цитаты:
... Кое-кто из монахинь убеждал ее принять обеты бедности, безбрачия и целомудрия. "Вот еще! - фыркала она. - Если все женщины дадут обеты, люди вымрут, как динозавры"
– В коммунисты подался? – спросила она в отчаянии. – Только коммунисты ходят такие понурые.
– Я влюблен, – признался Кливон матери.
– Час от часу не легче!
В тот вечер, покончив с едой, Фарида вновь говорила с отцом, будто смерти нет, пока не спохватилась наконец:
– Папа, но ты же умер!
– А ты не завидуй, – сказал отец, – придет и твой черед.
Она остановила четверых встречных солдат:
– Вы убили моего мужа?
– На этот раз да, мадам, – сказал их командир, – примите наши соболезнования.
– А где труп?
– Пройдите еще метров сто, там и найдете тело, его уже мухи обсидели. Мы его прибили к дереву манго.
– В мешке?
– В мешке, – кивнул солдат, – лежит там клубочком, как младенец.
– До свидания!
– До свидания!
I liked how most of the characters were morally grey and some were plainly evil. Mostly you'd expect communitsts to be the bad guys in every single novel you read, and here the politics had nothing to do with how a person was with others. For the most part the relationships were handled well, with a variety of ways life can go, although in one storyline the r*pe was forgiven, which is questionable.
...A number of nuns tried to persuade her to take the vows of poverty, purity, and chastity. “There’s no way,” she said. “If every woman took a vow like that, humans would go extinct like the dinosaurs.”
“Have you become a communist?” asked his mother, almost in despair. “Only a communist would be so gloomy.”
“I’m in love,” said Kliwon to his mother.
“That’s even worse!”
Now, after finishing the dinner that Kamino had given her, Farida found herself once again chatting with her dad, as if death didn’t exist, until she remembered and said:
“But you are dead, Daddy!”
“Well don’t be too jealous of me,” said her father, “you’ll get your turn someday.”
She passed by a group of four soldiers, and she stopped them.
“Have you killed my husband?”
“This time yes we have, Madam,” said their leader, “and we extend our condolences.”
“Where did you put his corpse?”
“Go straight for about a hundred meters, and there you will find his body, already surrounded by flies. We crucified him on a mango tree first.”
“Is he in a sack?”
“In a sack,” replied the soldier, “curled up like a baby.”
“See you later.”
“Later.”
RUS:
У нас есть тетенька. Тетенька прожила нехилую жизнь, весьма тесно связанная с историей Индонезии в целом. У тетеньки была семья. В этой семье было много горя, но и любовь, какая-никакая, тоже была.
Мне очень понравилось, как автор поровну демонизирует всех, а не только местных, голландцев или коммунистов: если человек - скотина, то здесь это не имеет отношения к их политическим взглядам. Однако не очень понравилась линия, что одному из персонажей простилось изнасилование, вроде как его достаточно жизнь наказала.
Любимые цитаты:
... Кое-кто из монахинь убеждал ее принять обеты бедности, безбрачия и целомудрия. "Вот еще! - фыркала она. - Если все женщины дадут обеты, люди вымрут, как динозавры"
– В коммунисты подался? – спросила она в отчаянии. – Только коммунисты ходят такие понурые.
– Я влюблен, – признался Кливон матери.
– Час от часу не легче!
В тот вечер, покончив с едой, Фарида вновь говорила с отцом, будто смерти нет, пока не спохватилась наконец:
– Папа, но ты же умер!
– А ты не завидуй, – сказал отец, – придет и твой черед.
Она остановила четверых встречных солдат:
– Вы убили моего мужа?
– На этот раз да, мадам, – сказал их командир, – примите наши соболезнования.
– А где труп?
– Пройдите еще метров сто, там и найдете тело, его уже мухи обсидели. Мы его прибили к дереву манго.
– В мешке?
– В мешке, – кивнул солдат, – лежит там клубочком, как младенец.
– До свидания!
– До свидания!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Incest
Moderate: Xenophobia and Pedophilia