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De tolk van Java

Questions About De tolk van Java

by Alfred Birney

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I just recognize "Java" word and the sword, what is the book about ?
Zeitouni It's an auto-biographical book of a son about his violent father. The father was born in Surabaya from a Chinese mother and a Dutch father but never r…moreIt's an auto-biographical book of a son about his violent father. The father was born in Surabaya from a Chinese mother and a Dutch father but never recognised by the latter. He grew up during the Japanese occupation in world war two and fought for the Dutch army against Soekarno. He then had to flee to Holland where he raised a family with a Dutch woman. Traumatised by all the violence he had endured and committed he is a real threat for his spouse and children. When he is confronted with the unwelcome atmosphere for him and his children in Holland he realizes he chose the wrong side. It's a very sad story about loss, violence and death. The book however is so authentic that it makes you feel glad to be alive to be able to read such a testimony. It won two big literary awards in the Dutch speaking community. The sword by the way is a marine dagger. 'Tolk' means translator. That was the father's official task with the Dutch marine corps, but he was more of an interrogator, including torture e.a.
It's well worth the reading if you have a strong stomache, and it shows a side of Indonesia that has never before been revealed in Holland.(less)
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