I purchased this novel in 90's, but it's gone nowhere before I could grasp the message contained therein. I love Pramoedya whose name is preserved in mine by my auntie because she also loves the work of Pramoedya. The sad thing is Pramoedya's misfotune in life. New Order regime made his life unbearably difficult in Buru Island despite his unsurpassable literary works by anyone in our country. Karma (good) does not work on him. Such a good person had to endure torture by an evil regime for so long time.