Dutch literature is far from being popular in an archipelago where they managed to call home for three and a half centuries. The Dutch Indies. As the Second World War came to an end, the string of big and small islands with hundreds of ethnic tribes proclaimed their independence as Indonesia. We don't read much. However, for those who do, translated work in Indonesian of literature from the world over e.g. Russia, the UK, the US (need I say more?), Japan, Egypt, some South American countries, some European countries (remember Tintin?), even the Nordic countries (none other than Pippi Longstocking). Funny how the only work of Dutch literature that I have ever read was Harry Mulisch' "De Aanslag" (The Assault).
I came across Moemie as I happen to have worked with the younger brother of the author. On his most recent visit to Indonesia, he gave the books away to some of his former staff. I happened to be a few lucky ones. At 600 pages, a translated work without timeline and family tree, the book required some concentration (which reminded me of Donna Tartt's "The Secret History") as I read a lot in public transport and Jakarta's public transport is a nightmare (audiobooks make me sleepy, so I don't do that).
The book started off rather dull. Perhaps it was the translation. Perhaps it was the language and writing style. However, as the story continues and the narrative takes form, despite the lack of clear timeline, you will converse with almost every single member of this big Dutch Indies family saga.
The author limited herself to follow the path of one single family and included other members of the family in the saga. Nevertheless, it did test my poor understanding of family tree. If there are people who cannot tell left from right, I cannot tell cousins from nephews and nieces. In any language that is, even my own. I almost drew a family tree for Moemie.
Although history played a great role in the plot, I chose to set aside the historical aspect of the book. I decided to see the book as a family history. I refused to follow the mainstream idea that "the war is told by the victors". I found that too limiting. The family saga breathes some sort of magical realism, which I realized halfway through the book. The author's writing style was witty, relaxed, not trying to push anything into your brain, not proud. The storytelling oozed a great deal of freedom. It reminded me of "One Hundred Years of Solitude", "Like Water for Chocolate", a bit of "Hotel New Hampshire" and "Kafka on the Shore". And the characters.. Yes, Moemie was "The Fat Lady" (re: It ain't over till the fat lady sings). But I was drawn to Alex Lieberman, Ferry (the youngest son of this main family), and Daisy. Alex was definitely a favorite. Someone who probably came from the Event Horizon himself. A fascinating character that one is.
The Dutch setting did evoke some childhood memories. A big colonial house by the main road with ponds, fruit trees (was it mangoes?), an outside well, servant quarters, outside kitchen, high ceilinged family rooms, separate foyer. And those horse carts!
I believe in literary translation. I found some free pages of this book on the internet and tried to read some paragraphs using my high school German. I did feel the passages. I wished I could read Dutch as it will surely bring out nuances of the original narrative and style.
Verdict: Must read with an open mind. In Dutch if you could. Though I do wish for the English translation (I guess judging by rumor among world travelers that the Dutch are well-versed in English compared to their neighboring nationalities).
Thank you, Marion, for writing a subject that must have been very personal for you.