A review by juniperbranches
Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu

reflective slow-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

3.0

I would called this a collection of micro stories, as opposed to short stories, with some less than a page long, not that that diminishes their impact. Each one explores the clash of queer identity with traditional and modern Indonesian behaviours and expectations. I completely felt the tension in each characters voice as the author tries to find a line to walk between family and identity. I enjoyed these stories quite a bit. And I haven’t really read anything Indonesian before so I am extra happy to add it to my collection.