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159 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
Yayasan Lontar, the Lontar Foundation, is a non profit organisation whose aims are fostering a greater appreciation of Indonesian literature and culture, supporting the work of authors and translators of Indonesian literature, and improving the quality of publication and distribution of Indonesian literary works and translations.
Shackles is the story of a love triangle. Dr Sukartono and his independent-minded wife, Tini, are facing marital problems when the singer Rohayah enters into the mix. Unlike Tini, Rohayah is ready to provide Sukartono with the devotion he lacks at home. This story illustrates the confusion experienced by many Indonesians of the pre-independence generation as they struggled to overcome problems stemming from their tradition-bound society.
What was it she had said before? What was it? Yes, that women today are asking for equal rights with men. But what is it they want to be equal? It is a woman’s right to care for her husband’s children and the house in which they live. Today, however, it seems that the only thing a woman is good for is making demands. Maybe she will meet her husband at the door when he comes from work, but does she ask him to sit down? Does she take off his shoes for him? Women of today don’t seem to know that to kneel before one’s husband, to take his shoes off for him, is a woman’s way of showing her devotion and loyalty. But what do women do now? And what is a woman’s right, if not taking care of the man she loves? (p.2)