Malaikat Lereng Tidar

Title: Malaikat Lereng Tidar

Author: Remy Sylado

Publisher: Penerbit Buku Kompas 2014

Pages : 544

selatan nama kebulatan hati barangkali
yang direnda oleh mimpi hari kemarin
kau tidak bakal mengenal kearifan
jika kau tidak pernah diabaikan.

I am always curious to read Remy Sylado's works since he always has a detailed research for the stories he writes. Just like in Ca Bau Kan, Parijs van Java, Kembang Jepun and also Kerudung Merah Kirmizi (awarded by Khatulistiwa Award in 2002).

In his latest book he's back with a love story between Jez, a Manado guy and Toemirah, a Javanese girl. The setting is during Dutch colonization. Jez joins the Dutch soldier corps that soon will be assigned to settle the conflict in Aceh. Before going to Aceh, Jez arrives in Magelang where he meets his love of his life, Toemirah, the angel from Tidar Valley.

As usual the author delivers the story in his own way that always leaves me stunning. The research is fantastic.  I think this novel is one of the novels with a very complete references and footnotes. Author divide the story in lots of short chapter and closed every chapter with a poem. In every chapter we will find many different variations of dialogue in bahasa, in Javanese, in Acehnese and also Dutch. 

There are also many important historical facts that will enrich our insight. The story takes place in many places but mostly in Manado, Magelang and Meulaboh Aceh. I am quite amazed with author's knowledge about the history of every city stated in the book. He explains everything in details. Reading this book is kind of joining a history class, not the boring one (like we experienced in our school days lol) but the most engaging one. Do you want to know more about our country's history? Then this book is highly recommended.