Reviews

Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu

shaelinsans's review against another edition

4.0

As soon as I saw the title, I just know that it's going to mislead me. And it definitely did.

I had a hard time starting this, only because I haven't read any literary fiction in a while, especially one in Bahasa Indonesia. Maybe if I had started the translated version of this, I wouldn't have had such a hard time starting. Still, despite me having a rocky start, it didn't take long for me to be awed by the author's writing.

My favorite ones (or the ones that destroyed me the most) are Ad Moiorem Dei Gloriam and Kisah Sesungguhnya Tentang Lelaki Raksasa, and Metaxu. I felt such a deep sadness reading those ones and my heart is still heavy now even after finishing them. Divisi Doa Tak Berjawab and Ceritanya are ones that I also really liked.

kaitlin_rockett's review

I'm loving this collection, but there is too much "life" happening right now to fully appreciate it.

septimusmith's review against another edition

4.0

Interesting, very experimental and reflective queer prose.

anetiacik's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

3.0

nickoliver's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

almostlikequake's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

angelsbeforeman's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

the writing here is so amazing, right from the opening line! i really like the way the author, who is also queer, approaches queerness. big fan of how the title relates to the actual content of the collection. my favourites would be a young poet's guide to surviving a broken heart (it's about exactly what you think it is), the true story of the story of giant (the longest one and the one that discusses a variety of issues related to the gay experience), welcome to the department of unanswered prayers (lovely concept, very unique), and ad maiorem dei gloriam (felt like i'd love this one the second i read the title and i was right, i love it when queer authors write about their experiences with religion).

temi_m's review against another edition

sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A

3.0

tevreads's review against another edition

4.0

Longlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize . Norman Erickson Pasaribu, a queer Indonesian writer, introduces the reader to a refreshing contemporary voice with ‘Happy Stories, Mostly’. A collection of short stories varied in length, these are cerebral depictions of being queer and young in Indonesia - the awkwardness, sense of dissociation, and questioning of identity and self preservation are laid bare in sharp prose. As a younger reader, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Happy Stories, Mostly’, Pasaribu writes candidly and shows his skill as a poet turned fiction writer in their 20s, who will likely make the shortlist for the International Booker Prize this year.

njw13's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5