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.     

4 comments:

alaya April 7, 2014 at 6:39 PM  

baru tau ada buku baru remy sylado. beli ah! :)

riana April 8, 2014 at 8:46 PM  

@alaya: ini juga ketemu ga sengaja di gramed. kalo suka sejarah pasti suka buku ini...happy hunting:)

mei April 19, 2014 at 3:49 PM  

halo mba Riana... jadi buku ini novel panjang ya? kirin tulisan2 pendek.. aku suka bgt remy sylado...

riana April 19, 2014 at 10:36 PM  

@mei: hei...senangnya ada mba mei di sini, hehe...iya ini novel panjang, satu novel utuh tapi ditulis dengan banyak bab, tiap bab pendek2, enak juga jadi ga terasa tau2 bukunya tamat dibaca :))

remy sylado memang ahlinya deh kalau menulis novel sejarah, lengkap semua data2nya, selamat membaca...