Island Secrets: Stories of Love, Lust and Loss in Bali

by Alwin Blum

Beyond the Bali known from idyllic images of Hollywood movies and five-star resort holidays are the secret lives of men and women who flock to the island from around the world in search of new beginnings. Not all find the bliss and peace they hope for. Island Secrets is a collection of stories about lives fraught with scandal, conflict, heartache and despair. A western wife of a Balinese man enjoys a happy marriage and all the trappings of island wealth but the arrival of a man from home throws her life into turmoil as she surrenders to his seduction. A successful middle-aged ad exec leaves his family to become an artist; he lives an enviable life with a beautiful woman half his age but he soon finds himself weary of paradise. A recently divorced woman goes on a solo holiday and is irresistibly drawn to an attractive young man of dubious intentions. Bali-resident Alwin Blum offers up vignettes of Bali with characters who navigate their new lives in the sunshine and tropical splendour of the island while harbouring darkness within. Some stay for a season, others for the rest of their days. Some come to forget through sensual escapades, while others re-invent themselves to fit with the brand-new lives they have created.

Genres: Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this short story collection while travelling in Ubud. I enjoy picking up books by local authors when travelling. Sadly, though, this one was a disappointment.

These stories felt very similar to me. There isn't much to distinguish one from another, and most seem to focus on women heading to Bali for sex. While I'm sure a lot of this goes on, there's only so much I can read about it.

Each story is about twenty pages, and none of them left me with anything to ponder. I couldn't see the point in them.

Two stars.

[Razlina Ramli. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are a depiction of the other side of Bali, the real Bali. If before Bali was synonymous with 'paradise' and culture, here we get to peek at the lives of those who live there for better or for worst, from the perspective of the locals and South East Asians and what Bali is for them.

[JUDITH DICKINSON · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a very easy read but sadly it lacks in diversity. These short stories seem to revolve around the same seedier elements of life on Bali. The characters lack depth and so I did not feel anything for their troubles and strife. If Bali had been on my bucket list I would be crossing it off.

[Chacko Vadaketh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Wonderful characters, the stories are long enough for you to really get into the meat of the stories. Each one is so different, and one really gets to see, hear feel and taste Bali through the rich worlds that are conjured up for us by the vivid writing.
They are moving stories, of flawed human beings trying to make it in this magical island of the Gods, laced with dry wit and humour. One gets an insight into the real world of locals and expats in Bali, very different from the touristy experience that most of us have. Highly recommended.

[Shazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The stories were easy to read, quite compelling and a poignant slice of life at times. I agree with a previous reviewer who said some of the stories really left you wanting more, curious as to what happened next. An enjoyable afternoon’s read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads.
This was an unusual and entertaining book.

[Carolyn Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book I felt I was there (in person) observing the storylines. There are cliffhangers and I would love to see what happens next...so a part II would be welcomed!!

[Steve Castley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of short stories. I hope he writes more of them.

[Cryleo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9/5⭐️

[Momina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read after not reading for years

Me and my friend went to a book shop and blindly picked out books for each other and she gave me this

Very easy read I feel transported into Bali deals with some dark material but that drew me in more

Was the perfect escape from a cold wet and dark London , was reading this a lot on my evening shifts on the metropolitan line as one does

Main plot isn’t a boring love story which I love ahahaha

[Lotus Flame · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've lived in Bali before so the book gave me a sense of deja vu. Characters and plots are diverse and colorful -- from the rich housewife on the run from the law, to the nice girl from a village in Java turned hooker, the US midwestern geek looking for a sense of belonging,  the businessman who jealously guards his newfound faith, to the woman who accompanies her dying lover for their last holiday. The stories are dark, salacious but there is also spirituality and pathos.  So I guess it pretty much echoes the total Bali experience. Tourists to Bali might not relate but those who live there should find moments of truth.

[Elizabeth Teoh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love stories among others, are woven around the magical island of Bali- written in simple and easy flowing style. Tales of individuals looking for their paradise -- lost and found. I would definitely recommend this book to those who have more dreams than we will ever know!