Sad news from the BBC today that Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer has died (click here to see their article). I have to admit that I'd never heard of him until a few years ago when I was planning a holiday in Bali, and my friends the Milliens said, "Oooh, you've got to read this, then." This turned out to be "This Earth of Mankind", the first of the Buru quartet. It's a very simply written, thought-provoking tale of Indonesia under Dutch rule, with lots of historical background and atmosphere but also very personal observations on race and colonisation issues. I loved it, but it seems to be out of print in the U.K. and France, though you can get it on Amazon (click on the pic). This article gives you a bit more of an idea about the author, and how incredible it is that these books ever got written/published at all. Read them if you can.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
"This Earth of Mankind"
Sad news from the BBC today that Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer has died (click here to see their article). I have to admit that I'd never heard of him until a few years ago when I was planning a holiday in Bali, and my friends the Milliens said, "Oooh, you've got to read this, then." This turned out to be "This Earth of Mankind", the first of the Buru quartet. It's a very simply written, thought-provoking tale of Indonesia under Dutch rule, with lots of historical background and atmosphere but also very personal observations on race and colonisation issues. I loved it, but it seems to be out of print in the U.K. and France, though you can get it on Amazon (click on the pic). This article gives you a bit more of an idea about the author, and how incredible it is that these books ever got written/published at all. Read them if you can.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Rhino, I am not aware of this author but I've come to check on you. I hope you begin to feel better very soon. You must use heat, it is the only thing to combat this discomfort, that and wine, vodka, valium, morphine but if you wat to feel better sooner you must use heat. You must know Miss Kitty needs you to get up and go, she likes her private time.
I read his obituary over the weekend. Had never heard of him either but now I want to read him.
You've been tagged!
Honestly, Nomad, the guy's life is almost as amazing as his work - it's such a shame he's not more widely known. I really think you'd enjoy it. re: Tagged - aiieeeee!!
Post a Comment