 | By: Vicki Baum Binding: Paperback Publisher: Tuttle Publishing,US ISBN: 9625935029 ISBN-13: 9789625935027 Released: 04 Jul 2000 RRP: Average Rating:  |
The novel is a loose retelling of the chain of events leading up to the Dutch suppression of Bali towards the end of the 19th century. At the time of the story, most of the feudal lords, or 'radjas', have already signed treaties with the Dutch & are effectively under their control. Only a few remain independent, preserving their traditions & refusing to bow to western imperialism.
Against this setting we hear the story of Pak, a simple farmer whose everyday life is a constant battle against the elements, gods & demons, & the demands placed on the community by the local radja, one of those who refuses to bow to the Dutch. Almost behind the scenes, events are taking place that make Dutch aggression look inevitable. Meanwhile, however, the reader is caught up in the personal triumphs & tragedies of Pak & his family, his joy at a rich harvest or a win at a cock-fight, & his grief when illness & inexplicable hardship come on the family. The two stories are skilfully interwoven in a way that underlines how actions on a national level can affect individuals.
Vicki Baum makes it very hard for the reader to avoid the question of how much progress can reallly come from forcing traditional cultures to accept western 'culture', & given the climate of globalisation today, the book remains extremely timely, though it was first published over sixty years ago.
All in alll, both an enjoyable & engaging book.
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