Need book recommendations to fill your leisure time with? In this list, we’re giving 7 must-read fiction novels by Indonesian authors. Some of these authors have been critically acclaimed and have won awards for their work thus, these books are worth the read. Additionally, you can find the English translations of these books in some of Indonesia’s beloved bookstores.
Without further ado, these are some fiction novels you must read by Indonesian authors!
- Apple & Knife by Intan Paramaditha
Apple & Knife is a collection of short stories by Intan Paramaditha and translated by Stephen J. Epstein. This book explores the dark, unsettling stories revolving around women. It draws inspiration from some Indonesian folklore, fairy tales, and ghost stories that you might be familiar with.
- Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu
This newest book by Norman Erikson Pasaribu is long-listed for the International Booker Prize 2022 and the winner of the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses 2022. Like Apple & Knife, this novel consisted of twelve stories that draw elements from Batak and Christian cultures. Most stories put queer characters in the place of what used to be filled by hetero characters.
- Paper Boats by Dee Lestari
Paper Boats tells about Kugy and Keenan, both trying to chase their dream that seemed impossible. Life has never been easy for them. A series of conflicts began to pile up and that leaves the question of how they’ll attain their dream. It’s a romance story, about two dreamers wanting to chase their own dreams and Dee Lestari managed to deliver the conflict in a way that some readers might be able to relate with.
- The Sea Speaks His Name by Leila S Chudori
More commonly known as Laut Bercerita, this novel takes us back to the days of the Suharto regime in the late 1990s. Two different points of view are given in this novel, one from Biru Laut, who was held captive by his other political activists’ friends. The second is Biru Laut’s little sister, Asmara Jati, who along with the Missing Persons Commission Team led by Aswin Pradana tries to collect clues on the whereabouts of her missing brother after a few years passed.
- Man Tiger by Eka Kurniawan
Unlike any other murder mystery, Man Tiger tells the story of a murder happening in a small village. Margio killed his neighbor however, he believed that the tiger spirit within him is the real culprit. Throughout the books, we’ll delve deeper into what the tiger really is, Margio’s and some other characters’ past up to the climatic end where everything is explained. This book has several accolades including the International Prize Nominee for Longlist in 2016 and others.
- The Land of Five Towers by Ahmad Fuadi
The first installation of a trilogy, this novel gives an insight into the different lives of six different boys from six different cities. Alif was sent to attend an Islamic boarding school, pesantren, away from his hometown in West Sumatra. He’s united with five different boys during a punishment as the boys try to navigate their ways through the strict rules of living in the boarding school. Man jadda wajada is the reoccurring theme of this novel, which translated to “He who gives his all will surely succeed.”
- The Birdwoman’s Palate by Laksmi Pamuntjak
Aruna, an epidemiologist who specializes in food and avian politics, was tasked to research isolated bird flu cases across Indonesia. With this opportunity, Aruna is also able to taste the different cuisines Indonesia has to offer in different cities that she visited. Along with her friends, she discovers a new side of her home country and gains a new appreciation for it.
Does any of these books appeal to you? Which one you’d like to read the most? Tell us one of your favourite books by Indonesian authors here! For more recommendations from us, feel free to check here and if you’re new to Jakarta or Bali, we have a lot of guides to help you through navigate here!
