DATUK An Indonesian Odyssey

Book excerpt: Spending more than five years in Indonesia, American author Ora Jonasson became fascinated and moved with one Indonesian family—the Datuks. Inspired by them, she pens a non-fiction account of their history and their relationship to the development of their nation in her new book, DATUK An Indonesian Odyssey. Far more than just a history of one family, DATUK An Indonesian Odysseyprofile of a developing nation wrought with pain, sacrifice, and courage. It embodies the struggle of a family as they break the hold of colonialism and forge their national identity. Direct interviews, with the Datuk brothers and sisters, add authentic depth and intensity to the fiction-like romance of their lives. Always maintaining integrity of the family voice, the author weaves a background collage of history, dialogue, and setting to support individual accounts. The story unfolds with the dignity and grace of a traditional wayang performance amid the tropical splendor of Indonesia. With information taken from interviews, collected photos, and travels with family, this story of conviction and urgency also covers topics ranging from political, economic, and social pressure to national consciousness.