20 October 2007

Pramoedya Ananta Toer's "Arok of Java: A Novel of Early Indonesia"

Periplus Bookshop Kemang cordially invites you to join us in a celebration for the publication of Toer's latest English language publication.

We are going to have a meet and greet with Max Lane, the translator for this book.

And with our guest of honor, Ibu Pram and daughter - Titiek will also be attending. This event will be taking place on:

Day & date : Saturday, October 27, 2007

Time : 11 am – onwards

Venue : Komp. Villa Kemang (Hero Kemang)

Jl. Kemang Selatan 1 – South Jakarta

 

Book Description

It is the 13th century in Java. Rebelliousness stirs among peasant farmers and Brahmin priests alike. Slavery has returned and men, women and children labour to find gold for Java's rulers. Bearing the symbols of spiritual power, a young scholar-bandit and rebel appears, called Arok – "he who upturns everything". As the rebellion spreads, it is Arok himself whom the rulers employ to suppress it. Thus emerges one of the epic political conspiracies of Javanese history. At stake is power in Java itself, the Lady Consort Dedes, and an end to slavery and oppression.

This novel presents Pramoedya's version of a great legend emerging out of the mists of historical past, is a tale of palace politics, conspiracy and revolution. It sets out the beginning of historical process that began on Java and gives the most vivid picture of the political, cultural and social forces which Pramoedya sees as having remained crucial until even today: the castes of the Brahman intellectuals, the Satria military and the Sudra, the people, the farmers, the artisans and labourers.

About the Author

Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925-2006) was born in Blora, central Java, the eldest son a headmaster and activist. He wrote more than 40 works, including novels, short stories, plays, history, literary criticism and more than 400 newspaper essays. His Buru Tetrology has been hailed as a brilliant work of epic historical fiction.

Pramoedya is survived by his second wife, Maemunah, with whom he had five children. He had three children from his first marriage, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

For further information please contact:

Tessa

Marketing & Communications
PERIPLUS BOOKINDO

Mobile: 0818 0649 6007

Email: teresa@javabooks.co.id

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