Kei

It is nice to find that there is a publisher to bring Indonesian literature to the United States, where it is not widely available. Kei tells the story of a conflict in Indonesia that is not known in the U.S., one that is overshadowed by larger conflicts in that countries recent history: it centers around the aftermath of the overthrow of the dictator and the rise of democracy and the chaos that surrounded those events. In the narrowest sense it is a love story between two young people who are caught up in this conflict, their lives are upended, and they are caught in this maelstrom of death and violence, trying to find love during a chaotic time, both for themselves and their country.

This book takes its time to tell a story of loss, redemption and finding home again. The author does an excellent job brining to life the two main characters, and exploring their emotions. The ending is especially moving.