Kembang Jepun
Saturday, September 29th, 2007 @ 01:58
by Remy Sylado (2003)
A historical novel, the story of Kembang Jepun tells the story of a Menadonese child sold by her brother to Shinju in Kembang Jepun, Surabaya, to be trained, disguised, into an out-and-out Japanese geisha, and takes place from pre-Japanese colonial to post-independence era. The strength of the novel lies not on its romantic plot, but on its rich historical facts and nuances colouring its meticulously constructed universe.
Particularly enjoyable for me is its nimble use of various prevalent dialects and languages spoken in (old) Surabaya, combined with Sylado’s pragmatic cynicism and sarcasm that offer an entertaining light change from the standard fare of strongly propagandistic historical novels. However, the story itself can be rather too melodramatic if not preposterous: in the interconnections of its characters, the ease of which hysterical bitch slaps redeem the relationship between the female characters, and the frequent depictions of female (Keke) degradations and abuse.
Overall, though, definitely an enjoyable read that at the same time provides rich, entertaining historical recaps.
