Female Indonesian Writers
I was trying to type my Applied Research Assignment this morning when a new copy of NEWSWEEK in the library catches my attention. Not that the cover is interesting (it's Ahnuld, for fuck sake!) but I was deliberately finding something to read while finding (or waiting) for a computer.
I come across a very interesting article: "Indonesia's Literary Ladies". Well, actually it was second most interesting article, because upon browsing more pages I found an interview with Quentin Tarantino on "Kill Bill".
Anyway, on the first article, NEWSWEEK reported that "...there has been a rise of provocative Indonesian literature, thanks largely to a group of bright, bold, attractive, media-savvy young women who are willing to take on the subject of sex".
From the names mentioned (Ayu Utami, Dewi Lestari, Djenar Maesa Ayu, and Dinar Rahayu), I have only read some of their work. 2 of AU's books, 1 of DL, 1 short story from DMA, and none (yet) from DR. AU first book, 'Saman', literally blew me away, although her second one suffered a bit from Disastrous Second Book Syndrome. "Saman" is so rich in a way of Helen DeWitt's "The Last Samurai", Zadie Smith's "White Teeth", and Jeffrey Eugenides' "Middlesex". All of them are towering achievement from the author and amazingly, excepting "Middlesex", they are all debut novel.
DL's first book was hugely popular, but sadly self published, making it seems less credible compared to other struggling writers who got published after going through some serious critical review. Indeed, from a professional point of view, what book should be taken seriously when the comments and quotes are coming from your own close family and friends? Plus, a lost dog advertising on the backpage? I don't think so!
Her second book of the series came out (also self published) which initially was not expected to appear. DL has quotedly confirm that 'Supernova' will not have a sequel, but I guess with the commercial success of a first book, a sequel would be too precious to say no to.
I believe that the controversy factor propelling the first book to commercial success is the gay couple as the main characters. It is not a commonly portrayed subject, so controversy is huge, while literary depth and quality? I am afraid that it was placed on no.5 of her priority list. The praise that I can give her? Well, it's better than Sophie Dahl's "The Man with the Dancing Eyes".
DMA short story? So far, I have only read one which I remembered vaguely. But what I do remember, it's indeed more provocative and shocking than AU's "Saman".
Anyway, I find the article interesting since it features the fact that Indonesia has been changing over the course of 3-4 years. The society has become more and more open, although the radical minority still has its claw planted in the back of moderate majority.
Through this article, I do know that my views will no longer be considered as progressive, agressive, or too outspoken. There will be a group of people who will understand and accept what I am going to say. At the moment I have not decided yet, whether this would make me look even more dull and a follower or could this be an advantage.
Anyway, NEWSWEEK categorized these leading literary ladies as "bright, bold, attractive, media-savvy young women who are willing to take on the subject of sex". To compare myself with this category (I could afford to be a bit narcissistic in here, I guess :D):
Bright? Check.
Bold? Check.
Attractive? Umm...OK, we'll get back to this later, shall we?
Media-Savvy? CHECK CHECK.
Young Women? Check.
Willing to take on the subject of sex? Well, after the period of enlightment from 'Sex and the City', who wouldn't?
I come across a very interesting article: "Indonesia's Literary Ladies". Well, actually it was second most interesting article, because upon browsing more pages I found an interview with Quentin Tarantino on "Kill Bill".
Anyway, on the first article, NEWSWEEK reported that "...there has been a rise of provocative Indonesian literature, thanks largely to a group of bright, bold, attractive, media-savvy young women who are willing to take on the subject of sex".
From the names mentioned (Ayu Utami, Dewi Lestari, Djenar Maesa Ayu, and Dinar Rahayu), I have only read some of their work. 2 of AU's books, 1 of DL, 1 short story from DMA, and none (yet) from DR. AU first book, 'Saman', literally blew me away, although her second one suffered a bit from Disastrous Second Book Syndrome. "Saman" is so rich in a way of Helen DeWitt's "The Last Samurai", Zadie Smith's "White Teeth", and Jeffrey Eugenides' "Middlesex". All of them are towering achievement from the author and amazingly, excepting "Middlesex", they are all debut novel.
DL's first book was hugely popular, but sadly self published, making it seems less credible compared to other struggling writers who got published after going through some serious critical review. Indeed, from a professional point of view, what book should be taken seriously when the comments and quotes are coming from your own close family and friends? Plus, a lost dog advertising on the backpage? I don't think so!
Her second book of the series came out (also self published) which initially was not expected to appear. DL has quotedly confirm that 'Supernova' will not have a sequel, but I guess with the commercial success of a first book, a sequel would be too precious to say no to.
I believe that the controversy factor propelling the first book to commercial success is the gay couple as the main characters. It is not a commonly portrayed subject, so controversy is huge, while literary depth and quality? I am afraid that it was placed on no.5 of her priority list. The praise that I can give her? Well, it's better than Sophie Dahl's "The Man with the Dancing Eyes".
DMA short story? So far, I have only read one which I remembered vaguely. But what I do remember, it's indeed more provocative and shocking than AU's "Saman".
Anyway, I find the article interesting since it features the fact that Indonesia has been changing over the course of 3-4 years. The society has become more and more open, although the radical minority still has its claw planted in the back of moderate majority.
Through this article, I do know that my views will no longer be considered as progressive, agressive, or too outspoken. There will be a group of people who will understand and accept what I am going to say. At the moment I have not decided yet, whether this would make me look even more dull and a follower or could this be an advantage.
Anyway, NEWSWEEK categorized these leading literary ladies as "bright, bold, attractive, media-savvy young women who are willing to take on the subject of sex". To compare myself with this category (I could afford to be a bit narcissistic in here, I guess :D):
Bright? Check.
Bold? Check.
Attractive? Umm...OK, we'll get back to this later, shall we?
Media-Savvy? CHECK CHECK.
Young Women? Check.
Willing to take on the subject of sex? Well, after the period of enlightment from 'Sex and the City', who wouldn't?
