A review by foursythia
Cerita-cerita Bahagia, Hampir Seluruhnya by Norman Erikson Pasaribu

challenging dark hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

Poignant and touching stories on the life of gay people in a land where they aren't accepted (well, more than that but that's a whole other discussion). The writing was beautiful, a character study and there's some surrealism touch to it. I read the English version of the book, which makes it a translated work, but even then you can still feel the thick feeling one can relate as fellow Indonesian living the very same reality; reading this makes the experience feels more up close and personal. I wish I have better ways to describe this book but as months passed since the time I read it, the words are gone by now but I remember this book dearly as a sad, but warm embrace around the harsh lives we live here. Thank you for writing this work of fiction that feels a little like puzzle of short memoirs.