A review by irxren
Laut Bercerita by Leila S. Chudori

5.0

This was my first time reading a book by Leila Chudori, and I was deeply impressed. Her writing flows effortlessly, and she skillfully navigates the inner conflicts and dynamics between the characters. The story is layered, prompting multiple readings to uncover new insights into the characters, emotions, and events. The novel sheds light on the political repression endured by student activists in Indonesia and the lasting trauma they suffered. It also exposes the government's injustices towards the families of the missing students. Despite my appreciation for the storytelling, I found the pacing and timeline style somewhat challenging. The story progresses slowly, and the back-and-forth timeline disrupted the flow.

This book is a manifestation in a form of fiction that we, as Indonesians, shall not forget the history that both shaped and became the foundation of this nation. It underscores the sacrifices made to end a fascist regime, with many lives lost or shattered by government brutality.