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Iban Dream #3
Iban Woman
Twenty-year-old Ratai is proud and strong for she is the eldest child of Nuing, the Iban warrior who went to the invisible world and returned alive, and the granddaughter of Bujang Maias, the great headhunter who was raised by apes. Despite her pedigree, however, she is frustrated and confused. Although a more successful hunter than the men her age she has still not managed to master the weave necessary to prove her feminine skills and win a man's heart. After a bad omen befalls her longhouse, Ratai feels compelled to join a war party to take enemy heads and save her people. The longhouse is against her joining the headhunting expedition but Ratai is stubborn because she has been adopted by Kumang, the goddess of the weave and the patroness of headhunters. Ratai must overcome deadly tasks, both in the forests of Borneo and in the Iban dream world, and she must find a balance between her desire to be the perfect Iban woman and her lust for adventure. Iban Woman is the third in the Iban Dream series of standalone novels by Golda Mowe, the most prolific Iban novelist in English of her generation and a descendant of the erstwhile headhunters of Borneo. In this her latest book, readers are once again immersed in Iban culture, learning the art of the weave, how to interpret omens in nature and how to hunt for animals … and human heads.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2018
3 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Golda Mowe
14 books34 followersGolda Mowe is a writer from Malaysia who writes about the Iban people of Sarawak. Since leaving the corporate world in 2004 to focus on writing, she has produced the following novels: Iban Dream (2013), Iban Journey (2015), and Iban Woman (2018) published by Monsoon Books, as well as The Monk Prince (2021) by Penguin Random House SEA.
Two children's books also by her are The Nanobots and Other Stories (2015) by Oyez!Books Kuala Lumpur and The Laughing Monster (2018) by Scholastic Singapore. She has registered Goose Books in Sibu and through it has published Fairy Con and Encounters in 2020.
Now she is embarking on a new adventure, with a series of contemporary local stories which will be published in Sarawak. You can read her free stories in Wattpad.
Two children's books also by her are The Nanobots and Other Stories (2015) by Oyez!Books Kuala Lumpur and The Laughing Monster (2018) by Scholastic Singapore. She has registered Goose Books in Sibu and through it has published Fairy Con and Encounters in 2020.
Now she is embarking on a new adventure, with a series of contemporary local stories which will be published in Sarawak. You can read her free stories in Wattpad.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 25, 2020
I read this book as part of @literasea.bookclub. Here's the recap of the book discussion:
/On Change and Continuity/
Overall, members appreciated how steeped in Iban culture and spirituality the book was. Ratai’s dream journey to meet goddess Kumang was a common favourite. We also loved the equal weight given to Ratai’s pua dyeing and war making, while noting that our judgements came from our own culturally-specific experiences of gender. All communities and cultures evolve naturally, and we noted that Iban gender relations have also changed. Yet, under pressure from forces such as capitalism and assimilation, a tension between evolution and preservation inevitably emerges.
/Identities in Flux/
Ethnic tradition often incorporates spirituality and belief systems, and as new influences shape lived experiences, such as religious conversion, a corollary question presents itself: how might we reconcile the competing facets of our identities? Where do different pieces, drawn from various places, fit together in ourselves?
/Development vs. Indigenous Interests/
We found it interesting that the book ended with Ratai embarking on bejalai, bringing new industry to the longhouse community. For the Iban, taking a journey out into the world to then return with new knowledge retains its cultural significance to this day. The discussion on economy led to the point of land grabbing, and the bureaucratic sleights of hand that cost Indigenous communities their ancestral lands.
/On Oral Tradition/
Mowe tried to capture the style of oral storytelling, which meant lengthy, occasionally repeated descriptions. For some, this reminded them of recorded stories from other cultures (such as the Odyssey), while others felt the style wasn’t for them. How much can really be preserved when the form itself has changed?
It was shared that the 1960s and 70s saw a huge debate within the Iban community. The camp of anthropologist Benedict Sandin believed ‘the written word kills memory’, yet on the other hand, transforming ensera Iban into radio plays and books helps to ensure their transmission.
@lianahall said it best: better imperfectly preserved than lost for good. The group had a mini wave of appreciation for the writers and content creators who continue to make these available to us all.
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/On Change and Continuity/
Overall, members appreciated how steeped in Iban culture and spirituality the book was. Ratai’s dream journey to meet goddess Kumang was a common favourite. We also loved the equal weight given to Ratai’s pua dyeing and war making, while noting that our judgements came from our own culturally-specific experiences of gender. All communities and cultures evolve naturally, and we noted that Iban gender relations have also changed. Yet, under pressure from forces such as capitalism and assimilation, a tension between evolution and preservation inevitably emerges.
/Identities in Flux/
Ethnic tradition often incorporates spirituality and belief systems, and as new influences shape lived experiences, such as religious conversion, a corollary question presents itself: how might we reconcile the competing facets of our identities? Where do different pieces, drawn from various places, fit together in ourselves?
/Development vs. Indigenous Interests/
We found it interesting that the book ended with Ratai embarking on bejalai, bringing new industry to the longhouse community. For the Iban, taking a journey out into the world to then return with new knowledge retains its cultural significance to this day. The discussion on economy led to the point of land grabbing, and the bureaucratic sleights of hand that cost Indigenous communities their ancestral lands.
/On Oral Tradition/
Mowe tried to capture the style of oral storytelling, which meant lengthy, occasionally repeated descriptions. For some, this reminded them of recorded stories from other cultures (such as the Odyssey), while others felt the style wasn’t for them. How much can really be preserved when the form itself has changed?
It was shared that the 1960s and 70s saw a huge debate within the Iban community. The camp of anthropologist Benedict Sandin believed ‘the written word kills memory’, yet on the other hand, transforming ensera Iban into radio plays and books helps to ensure their transmission.
@lianahall said it best: better imperfectly preserved than lost for good. The group had a mini wave of appreciation for the writers and content creators who continue to make these available to us all.
------
January 19, 2022
“Ratai straightened her back and steeled herself before she turned to face her mother. Her gaze was proud and bold , like a seasoned warrior. My place is where the spirits send me. I will go and be like one of the men”.
- Iban Woman by Golda Mowe
.
.
I was promised a story of woman warrior and i got exactly what i wanted. The beginning was a bit slow for me but i understand the intention of it - to show the growth of Ratai’s characters and to let reader slowly into the world that they are not familiar of. Coming from the lineage of Warrior like her father (Nuing) and grandfather (Bujang Maias) , Ratai were introduced in the story as a great hunter. Her talent to catch many animals surpassed her other male friends. She understood that this is not the norm in the her community as women were expected to be a great weaver and paddy planter. She failed miserably as her thread was such a mess and her rice was not cultivated properly. I cant help but felt if the rite of passage is not so gendered - that rather than women should only do weaving and men should only do hunting in order to complete their ritual ; lets talent decide rather than gender. Maybe the whole crisis in Nuing’s Long House can be averted. Maybe Sagan can marry Ratai without any hesitation. Maybe Sawai, Sagan’s mother will not object their courtship. Unfortunately, we followed Ratai’s heartbreak , Sagan’s Death, Sawai’s curse and Nuing’s persistence of not wanting to go to War. Golda Mowe build the plot beautifully and they way it was written is impeccable. I find myself fully immersed in the storyline by the time Ratai joined the War quest. NGL, I got frustrated as Ratai often second guessing herself. It took almost half of the book for her to reclaim her space and speak out against her father and other mens in the long house. It took her that long to convince them that War is the only way to reverse what Sawai has done. I have learned a lot of Iban culture - their terms and rituals and even the name of their spirits from this book. We saw how Ratai’s family and the long house community lived their life as they demonstrated the rites while weaving, hunting, threading and up to managing their daily conduct as to avoid any interference from demons or to appease the spirit. They were completely attuned with the forces of Nature and i love that. Golda also hinted few times of the existence of multi ethnics in the story - Melanau, Kayan, Chinese and Malay were mentioned either due to their skills, attire and goods to capture the diversity of Sarawak. The only criticism i have for this book is I can’t feel Sagan’s sincerity towards Ratai. Even in the beginning when Ratai felt that Sagan refused to praise and validate her skills in hunting as he is ashamed by it (or maybe due to his ego 🤷♀️). Sagan also did not really fight that hard to win her love - He did not explain himself when the whole debacle of Sawai’s disapproval to be married to Ratai . Hence, when Sagan died, i was like good riddance and you dodged the bullet Ratai but i guess her love towards him is deep that she kinda get blind by it. Thankfully, Bunsu tikus did come to her and informed her that Sagan’s death was due to his own action. That Ratai was not to be blamed upon Sagan’s misfortune as Sagan ignore all the ominous signs that the journey will not be safe. His death is due to his own greed and carelessness. What happened to the war? Will the Gods and Goddesses helped Ratai in her quest to save her community ? Will Ratai achieve the path that was intended for her, A great warrior as predicted by Selampadai and Kumang, the Iban’s God and Goddess? Reading this book will brought us readers into Ratai’s world that full of magic, spirituality and culture. Overall, this is quite a journey and i am glad to be part of it. This is the third book of the Iban series by Golda Mowe but you dont have to read the book in the order as each book stands on its own. The only connection that they have is due to the generational ties. I will definitely pick up other books soon.
.
.
Thank You @monsoonbooks for the free book in exchange for my honest review.
- Iban Woman by Golda Mowe
.
.
I was promised a story of woman warrior and i got exactly what i wanted. The beginning was a bit slow for me but i understand the intention of it - to show the growth of Ratai’s characters and to let reader slowly into the world that they are not familiar of. Coming from the lineage of Warrior like her father (Nuing) and grandfather (Bujang Maias) , Ratai were introduced in the story as a great hunter. Her talent to catch many animals surpassed her other male friends. She understood that this is not the norm in the her community as women were expected to be a great weaver and paddy planter. She failed miserably as her thread was such a mess and her rice was not cultivated properly. I cant help but felt if the rite of passage is not so gendered - that rather than women should only do weaving and men should only do hunting in order to complete their ritual ; lets talent decide rather than gender. Maybe the whole crisis in Nuing’s Long House can be averted. Maybe Sagan can marry Ratai without any hesitation. Maybe Sawai, Sagan’s mother will not object their courtship. Unfortunately, we followed Ratai’s heartbreak , Sagan’s Death, Sawai’s curse and Nuing’s persistence of not wanting to go to War. Golda Mowe build the plot beautifully and they way it was written is impeccable. I find myself fully immersed in the storyline by the time Ratai joined the War quest. NGL, I got frustrated as Ratai often second guessing herself. It took almost half of the book for her to reclaim her space and speak out against her father and other mens in the long house. It took her that long to convince them that War is the only way to reverse what Sawai has done. I have learned a lot of Iban culture - their terms and rituals and even the name of their spirits from this book. We saw how Ratai’s family and the long house community lived their life as they demonstrated the rites while weaving, hunting, threading and up to managing their daily conduct as to avoid any interference from demons or to appease the spirit. They were completely attuned with the forces of Nature and i love that. Golda also hinted few times of the existence of multi ethnics in the story - Melanau, Kayan, Chinese and Malay were mentioned either due to their skills, attire and goods to capture the diversity of Sarawak. The only criticism i have for this book is I can’t feel Sagan’s sincerity towards Ratai. Even in the beginning when Ratai felt that Sagan refused to praise and validate her skills in hunting as he is ashamed by it (or maybe due to his ego 🤷♀️). Sagan also did not really fight that hard to win her love - He did not explain himself when the whole debacle of Sawai’s disapproval to be married to Ratai . Hence, when Sagan died, i was like good riddance and you dodged the bullet Ratai but i guess her love towards him is deep that she kinda get blind by it. Thankfully, Bunsu tikus did come to her and informed her that Sagan’s death was due to his own action. That Ratai was not to be blamed upon Sagan’s misfortune as Sagan ignore all the ominous signs that the journey will not be safe. His death is due to his own greed and carelessness. What happened to the war? Will the Gods and Goddesses helped Ratai in her quest to save her community ? Will Ratai achieve the path that was intended for her, A great warrior as predicted by Selampadai and Kumang, the Iban’s God and Goddess? Reading this book will brought us readers into Ratai’s world that full of magic, spirituality and culture. Overall, this is quite a journey and i am glad to be part of it. This is the third book of the Iban series by Golda Mowe but you dont have to read the book in the order as each book stands on its own. The only connection that they have is due to the generational ties. I will definitely pick up other books soon.
.
.
Thank You @monsoonbooks for the free book in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2021
I have no idea why I insisted on reading the third book in this Iban Series before the second one. I guess, I just got too excited! 😂 But, as I’m writing this review, I am currently reading the second one and I can say, its okay to skip it altogether if you want to, but you have to read the first one to be familiar with Mowe’s writings, and the backstory of Nuing.
In this third instalment, we follow a woman named Ratai, the first born of the great Nuing, the son of Bujang Maias the legend. Ratai is rather a warrior type of woman, not your typical indu (girl/woman) who stays at home to cook, clean and sew clothes for you. She is more than that, she wants to bring changes to the world and woman in general. She fell in love with a man, but when he died, its like a call for her to avenge his death. No women from their village has ever gone to war, but to war she went, dressing, hunting, and fighting like a man. I wished to not spoiled anything, so lets just say that the ending is hella satisfying! no cliffhangers. I promised.
Golda Mowe’s writing is not something you want to rush into. She has this style of preparing all the ingredients needed before actually cooking them, so the foods served will have all the flavours in them. Since I’m a Sarawakian, its easy for me to get into all the basics like how a longhouse, their attire and bilek (rooms) looks like. I can imagine them all in my head while reading. One of the strongest message from Iban Woman is to not let anyone or anything get in your way into achieving what your heart desires the most. You might have to swim against the tide, you might fell so hard, but with mental and physical strengths, knowledge, and perseverance, you can fight off your fears, and achieve your dreams.
In this third instalment, we follow a woman named Ratai, the first born of the great Nuing, the son of Bujang Maias the legend. Ratai is rather a warrior type of woman, not your typical indu (girl/woman) who stays at home to cook, clean and sew clothes for you. She is more than that, she wants to bring changes to the world and woman in general. She fell in love with a man, but when he died, its like a call for her to avenge his death. No women from their village has ever gone to war, but to war she went, dressing, hunting, and fighting like a man. I wished to not spoiled anything, so lets just say that the ending is hella satisfying! no cliffhangers. I promised.
Golda Mowe’s writing is not something you want to rush into. She has this style of preparing all the ingredients needed before actually cooking them, so the foods served will have all the flavours in them. Since I’m a Sarawakian, its easy for me to get into all the basics like how a longhouse, their attire and bilek (rooms) looks like. I can imagine them all in my head while reading. One of the strongest message from Iban Woman is to not let anyone or anything get in your way into achieving what your heart desires the most. You might have to swim against the tide, you might fell so hard, but with mental and physical strengths, knowledge, and perseverance, you can fight off your fears, and achieve your dreams.
February 11, 2024
4.5⭐ this worth the wait
July 23, 2020
My experience with this book is enhanced by the fact that I myself, am Iban. I grew up with only a portion of these stories and myths and I live in the city now and my parents had moved to cities.
To me, this felt like a book with 3-4 plot points that felt like major points of the book that were combined into one book. The issue with that is all the building up the author does only to be greeted with an anticlimactic conclusion before she moves on with the next major point. For example, the war scene could definitely have been a bit longer, before we moved onto Jantan and Suma.
That is not to say that it wasn't still entertaining. Regardless of the extensive detailing (which I found to be enjoyable because I've seen the things and processes described before) it was a solid entertaining book and I was never bored throughout it.
I enjoyed the family dynamics of this book as well as the legends and I especially enjoyed the fantasy elements. Again, I feel like this was enhanced for me since I've already grown up with these stories told to me in the ruai with my grandmother with her weaving. It all felt very familiar and above all, I'd like to thank the author for giving me a chance to go through these worlds of legends and taboos and Gods and demons- a chance to relive what I never even went through. Upon asking my elders, the details of the book were mostly accurate and I appreciate that.
It will sit on my shelf as one of my favourites simply because of the nostalgia and a sense of identity and belonging and pride that I felt when I read this book. Solid and would totally recommend.
To me, this felt like a book with 3-4 plot points that felt like major points of the book that were combined into one book. The issue with that is all the building up the author does only to be greeted with an anticlimactic conclusion before she moves on with the next major point. For example, the war scene could definitely have been a bit longer, before we moved onto Jantan and Suma.
That is not to say that it wasn't still entertaining. Regardless of the extensive detailing (which I found to be enjoyable because I've seen the things and processes described before) it was a solid entertaining book and I was never bored throughout it.
I enjoyed the family dynamics of this book as well as the legends and I especially enjoyed the fantasy elements. Again, I feel like this was enhanced for me since I've already grown up with these stories told to me in the ruai with my grandmother with her weaving. It all felt very familiar and above all, I'd like to thank the author for giving me a chance to go through these worlds of legends and taboos and Gods and demons- a chance to relive what I never even went through. Upon asking my elders, the details of the book were mostly accurate and I appreciate that.
It will sit on my shelf as one of my favourites simply because of the nostalgia and a sense of identity and belonging and pride that I felt when I read this book. Solid and would totally recommend.
July 29, 2019
"So if you see anyone who does anything differently, do not critise him. Watch what he does, learn from him if you can, but do not judge it. His life is different, so it is only natural that he would do things differently in his land."
-Uyut
Such a quote reminds me that we all have our strengths and weakness and we should all treat each other as equals as we all know something others don't and vise versa....
A well-written book that gives a glimpse into the Iban culture we have in Malaysia. I find many of their customs (adat) and traditions fascinating as they seem to be lost in today's time where globalisation is making some of us forget our roots and traditions...
I'm happy that Ratai found happiness in the end after conquering the adversities life has thrown at her. I would give this book a 4.5!
-Uyut
Such a quote reminds me that we all have our strengths and weakness and we should all treat each other as equals as we all know something others don't and vise versa....
A well-written book that gives a glimpse into the Iban culture we have in Malaysia. I find many of their customs (adat) and traditions fascinating as they seem to be lost in today's time where globalisation is making some of us forget our roots and traditions...
I'm happy that Ratai found happiness in the end after conquering the adversities life has thrown at her. I would give this book a 4.5!
July 27, 2021
As a Bruneian, I don’t know much about Iban culture and have always wanted to learn more. Through reading this, I had a good glimpse of what Iban culture entails and wow, what rich, beautiful customs they have.
Iban Women is part of the Iban Dream trilogy and is the third book in this series. This story follows Ratai, the eldest daughter of the family who enjoys following her father, Nuing, and brothers hunting. She is constantly a topic for gossip because she is more skilled at hunting than at weaving skirts and harvesting rice. Due to this, potential suitors stay away from her because this means bad luck for the longhouse. After a bad omen befalls her longhouse, Ratai is determined to join a war party to save her people. Ratai felt she had to do this because she had been adopted by the goddess of weave and headhunting, Kumang. Through her ordeals, she must find a balance between her longing to be a good Iban woman and her desire to be a headhunter. Would Ratai be able to find what she is looking for?
Dreams and omens play an important role in Iban culture. They decipher what these dreams mean or determine if the omens are good or bad in order to make decisions. It is very important that whatever they seek for is blessed by a god in order for the journey to be successful. I especially love the details Mowe provided of the weaving process, hunting, building and other aspects of the Iban culture. I also love how they all work harmoniously together and decisions are well respected by all. I find many of their beliefs and traditions fascinating and it is sad that they seem to be going out of practice in today’s time where globalisation is taking over and roots and traditions are slowly forgotten.
What an insightful read overall. I highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to learn more about the Iban culture.
Iban Women is part of the Iban Dream trilogy and is the third book in this series. This story follows Ratai, the eldest daughter of the family who enjoys following her father, Nuing, and brothers hunting. She is constantly a topic for gossip because she is more skilled at hunting than at weaving skirts and harvesting rice. Due to this, potential suitors stay away from her because this means bad luck for the longhouse. After a bad omen befalls her longhouse, Ratai is determined to join a war party to save her people. Ratai felt she had to do this because she had been adopted by the goddess of weave and headhunting, Kumang. Through her ordeals, she must find a balance between her longing to be a good Iban woman and her desire to be a headhunter. Would Ratai be able to find what she is looking for?
Dreams and omens play an important role in Iban culture. They decipher what these dreams mean or determine if the omens are good or bad in order to make decisions. It is very important that whatever they seek for is blessed by a god in order for the journey to be successful. I especially love the details Mowe provided of the weaving process, hunting, building and other aspects of the Iban culture. I also love how they all work harmoniously together and decisions are well respected by all. I find many of their beliefs and traditions fascinating and it is sad that they seem to be going out of practice in today’s time where globalisation is taking over and roots and traditions are slowly forgotten.
What an insightful read overall. I highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to learn more about the Iban culture.
July 7, 2022
This book is an excellent introduction to the Iban culture especially to someone like me, who knows nothing except of its existence despite being a fellow Malaysian. The author, Golda Mowe, a member of this indigenous tribe, gives an insider scoop of the intricate customs, activities and the beliefs practised by its members.
Iban Woman is the third of the Iban series by Mowe, which can be read as a standalone, and centres around the life of Ratai, an Iban woman who defies her people’s customs because her abilities and talents are in the fields that are usually helmed by the male members of her community. The book mainly describes her daily life as an Iban woman and her place in her longhouse, until a calamity forces her to own up to herself on what kind of woman she wants to be.
If you’re interested in learning about the Iban culture, beliefs and superstitions that have been incorporated into a good fiction then this might be what you are looking for. Golda Mowe’s vivid description of each activity, festival and custom practised by the community gives a clear picture as if you’re experiencing them in your mind.
My rating reflects mostly on my personal preference. The book provides exhaustive detail of the culture for the benefit of the readers especially those who are not familiar with the Iban culture. However, to me it was to the detriment of the story as a whole. There were a number of points that the author tried to include in the story but because there were too many to be expounded in a 200-page novel, I felt like the ideas were rather jumbled up and could have been communicated better. As a result, the ending felt rather anticlimactic and some of the points could benefit from further elaboration. Nevertheless if you enjoy descriptive writing especially on culture, this would be a good pick for you.
Iban Woman is the third of the Iban series by Mowe, which can be read as a standalone, and centres around the life of Ratai, an Iban woman who defies her people’s customs because her abilities and talents are in the fields that are usually helmed by the male members of her community. The book mainly describes her daily life as an Iban woman and her place in her longhouse, until a calamity forces her to own up to herself on what kind of woman she wants to be.
If you’re interested in learning about the Iban culture, beliefs and superstitions that have been incorporated into a good fiction then this might be what you are looking for. Golda Mowe’s vivid description of each activity, festival and custom practised by the community gives a clear picture as if you’re experiencing them in your mind.
My rating reflects mostly on my personal preference. The book provides exhaustive detail of the culture for the benefit of the readers especially those who are not familiar with the Iban culture. However, to me it was to the detriment of the story as a whole. There were a number of points that the author tried to include in the story but because there were too many to be expounded in a 200-page novel, I felt like the ideas were rather jumbled up and could have been communicated better. As a result, the ending felt rather anticlimactic and some of the points could benefit from further elaboration. Nevertheless if you enjoy descriptive writing especially on culture, this would be a good pick for you.
October 28, 2020
I'm glad that I'm able to finish The Iban Dream Trilogy this year. I found Iban Woman to be the best compared to the first two. Ratai is a well-rounded character & having an Iban Woman to become a Headhunter is marvellous. I enjoyed the mystical elements corporated in the story.
However, it would be nice if the author had described more about the fight/war with the pirates at the coast. The attack only lasted 1-2 pages and I hardly can discern what types of people the pirates are. Are they the famous Illanun pirates that once terrorise coasts of Borneo? Also, the presence of a demon-like man apart from the slave seems very vague and bizzarre. Is that an animal or a human?
The remaining 1/3 of the story ends with Ratai & Mali making a big boat & some ceremonial celebration. I like the gentle twist & surprise at the ending.
However, it would be nice if the author had described more about the fight/war with the pirates at the coast. The attack only lasted 1-2 pages and I hardly can discern what types of people the pirates are. Are they the famous Illanun pirates that once terrorise coasts of Borneo? Also, the presence of a demon-like man apart from the slave seems very vague and bizzarre. Is that an animal or a human?
The remaining 1/3 of the story ends with Ratai & Mali making a big boat & some ceremonial celebration. I like the gentle twist & surprise at the ending.
December 7, 2020
As is always the case with books by Golda Mowe, I like how Iban culture and customs, beliefs and superstitions are described in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner, without exotification. The details Mowe provides of weaving, hunting, building and other aspects of Iban life, including ritual practices, are riveting to me. Some readers would probably prefer more action than description, but that's personal preference. I was rather relieved that the battle scenes were brief. When Ratai harvests her first head, I felt pity for the victim because Ratai observes he's a young boy. I feel this was an interesting way to remind the reader that Ratai is aware of herself and hasn't been swept away by the excitement of the moment. However, although she feels compassion, her priorities (the well being of her people as well as her pride as a warrior) don't allow her to give in to it.
Another thing I found interesting was the slave whose life was spared during the battle and his eventual fate. This plot strand raises questions that I must present to the author. So very interesting.
On the whole, I love the way the story unfolded and the intense exploration of Ratai's struggles to balance her femininity, what was expected of her as an Iban woman and her natural inclinations and talents.
The inter-weaving of Iban folk beliefs and dreams of gods and goddesses with life, and the way the supernatural aspects of the story manifest themselves in the characters' real-life is quite beautiful, and presented so naturally that there is no question of not accepting the part played by the divine in the affairs of humans.
This is definitely my favourite of the Iban Trilogy. However, as much as I love the happy ending, I wish to know more about Ratai's life and hope Mowe will write another book in this series.
Another thing I found interesting was the slave whose life was spared during the battle and his eventual fate. This plot strand raises questions that I must present to the author. So very interesting.
On the whole, I love the way the story unfolded and the intense exploration of Ratai's struggles to balance her femininity, what was expected of her as an Iban woman and her natural inclinations and talents.
The inter-weaving of Iban folk beliefs and dreams of gods and goddesses with life, and the way the supernatural aspects of the story manifest themselves in the characters' real-life is quite beautiful, and presented so naturally that there is no question of not accepting the part played by the divine in the affairs of humans.
This is definitely my favourite of the Iban Trilogy. However, as much as I love the happy ending, I wish to know more about Ratai's life and hope Mowe will write another book in this series.
September 23, 2024
Iban Woman is the third in a trilogy of books set in the Sarawakian rainforest, following an Iban family across three generations. I enjoyed the insight into traditional Iban culture, from headhunting to weaving and life in the longhouse, interwoven with mystical and spiritual elements. The writing style is intentionally modelled to feel like you're being told the story verbally in a matter-of-fact sort of way which I found compelling - Ms Mowe was inspired by how she was told stories as a child. What I liked best was the description of life in the rainforest; it felt lush and full of life.
December 19, 2018
An excellent insider's perspective into the world, customs, myths and traditional religion of the headhunters of Borneo, made accessible through the use of highly-readable English. The images conjured up are vivid and detailed, while the plot flows seamlessly from scene to scene. Never have I come across a Malaysian novel in English so unputdownable. I read the first couple of chapters and immediately ordered the author's other two works on the Iban people (Iban Dream and Iban Journey) online.
August 21, 2020
I would rate this book 2.75 stars.
It’s uncommon to find a book based on Iban culture and there is so much that is unknown and quickly disappearing.
The language in this novel is fairly simple and straightforward and much of the story centers on Ratai, who is an Iban girl who is atypical. She has bigger dreams than the usual womanly roles set out for Iban women, and thus has difficulty finding a suitor. As the story unfolds she finds her role in her community and achieves her dreams.
It’s uncommon to find a book based on Iban culture and there is so much that is unknown and quickly disappearing.
The language in this novel is fairly simple and straightforward and much of the story centers on Ratai, who is an Iban girl who is atypical. She has bigger dreams than the usual womanly roles set out for Iban women, and thus has difficulty finding a suitor. As the story unfolds she finds her role in her community and achieves her dreams.
July 21, 2023
This is a good read. The pace of the story is just nice, the information weaved in beautifully (except for the last few chapters - too dry and overloaded), and the adventure is relatable. The many layers in this story makes the reading experience a rich and reflective one. Now I shall go and read book 1 and 2 in this series of three.
January 26, 2025
Honestly it’s a 3.5 star
Maybe I expected too much from this last book in the Iban trilogy. Ratai, the main character, is absolutely a beautiful character. I just wish her story was as exciting as the first two books. I was a little disappointed towards the ending. It’s like the author ran out of ideas but Ratai’s story must come to a conclusion.
Maybe I expected too much from this last book in the Iban trilogy. Ratai, the main character, is absolutely a beautiful character. I just wish her story was as exciting as the first two books. I was a little disappointed towards the ending. It’s like the author ran out of ideas but Ratai’s story must come to a conclusion.
December 4, 2018
I was about half way through the book and left it on the bus!
October 3, 2019
Book 3 in the series. Highly recommended - like nothing else you have read. Golda transports you to a new country and culture. So evocative of time and place.
June 3, 2019
i was so engrossed in reading this book that i forgot to state when i started reading. beautifully written. i had expected more details of the main character fighting for her first head. but that would be too fantasy filled. the author was writing it as a matter of fact. not glorifying the killing but just telling it as it is.
March 8, 2019
Iban Woman is the third standalone novel in the Iban series. This book presents the story of Ratai, a young Iban woman who is not so much a woman as regards the social meaning of the word. She is more skilled at hunting than at weaving skirts. War expeditions interest her more than sowing the paddy with other woman of her longhouse.
This book is at once a journey through the very intriguing Iban culture, and Ratai’s quest to find a balance between her desire to be the perfect Iban woman and her lust for adventure. But can she be an adventurer as well as the perfect Iban woman at the same time? Is it possible for a girl like Ratai, belonging to a culture wherein customs are followed so ardently, to fulfill her desires and yet preserve her place as an Iban woman?
While reading this book, I was reminded of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart at several points. These Iban people have gods and godesses of their own. They rely on omens that they find in nature. The reader is acquainted with their traditions- particularly that of weaving skirts. A marriage ceremony also takes place which forms an interesting narrative in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book throughout except for Ratai’s dream sequence. I’m not a fantasy person and that part was a bit difficult to go through for me. But that is a personal issue. As a matter of fact, the book is a work of fantasy and I did enjoy the rest of it. The author could have included a little storytelling sequence- a digression of sorts, to add more flavor.
I also feel that had this book been a first person narrative than third person, it would have appealed to the readers more. Nevertheless it is a lovely read and if you’re fascinated by different cultures, you should definitely pick this up.
My Rating: **** (3.75/5)
-Originally published on https://booksnmyself.wordpress.com
This book is at once a journey through the very intriguing Iban culture, and Ratai’s quest to find a balance between her desire to be the perfect Iban woman and her lust for adventure. But can she be an adventurer as well as the perfect Iban woman at the same time? Is it possible for a girl like Ratai, belonging to a culture wherein customs are followed so ardently, to fulfill her desires and yet preserve her place as an Iban woman?
While reading this book, I was reminded of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart at several points. These Iban people have gods and godesses of their own. They rely on omens that they find in nature. The reader is acquainted with their traditions- particularly that of weaving skirts. A marriage ceremony also takes place which forms an interesting narrative in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book throughout except for Ratai’s dream sequence. I’m not a fantasy person and that part was a bit difficult to go through for me. But that is a personal issue. As a matter of fact, the book is a work of fantasy and I did enjoy the rest of it. The author could have included a little storytelling sequence- a digression of sorts, to add more flavor.
I also feel that had this book been a first person narrative than third person, it would have appealed to the readers more. Nevertheless it is a lovely read and if you’re fascinated by different cultures, you should definitely pick this up.
My Rating: **** (3.75/5)
-Originally published on https://booksnmyself.wordpress.com
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