Synopsis
A sweeping tale of power, duty, and longing on the edge of empire that probes loyalty and longing in a divided world.
Set amid the political and cultural tensions of colonial Java, this work follows Van Oudijck, a European official, as he navigates authority, family duty, and shifting loyalties. The narrative blends intimate relationships with the larger forces of empire, offering a vivid portrait of a world where personal ambitions collide with inherited power.
Through nuanced scenes and richly drawn characters, the book examines how culture, climate, and ambition shape choices and destinies. The story unfolds with a focus on inner conflict, moral complexity, and the costs of empire for both the colonizer and the community he seeks to lead.
- Dense, atmospheric prose that centers character and mood as much as plot
- Two intertwined circles of personal and political life in a colonial setting
- Exploration of authority, family duty, and the pull of human longing
- Vivid depictions of Java and its people, seen through a European gaze
Ideal for readers who enjoy classic colonial-era fiction and deeply observed character studies in historical settings.
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About the Author
Louis Couperus was born in The Hague in 1863. Couperus spent much of his youth in the Dutch East Indies and many of his novels and stories are set there. Couperus gained prominence in 1889 with the publication of Eline Vere-a psychological novel influenced by the style of Zola and Flaubert. Eline Vere was followed by Ecstasy in 1892, Psyche in 1898 and Inevitable in 1900; all available from Pushkin Press. A renowned wit, raconteur and commentator, Couperus continued to publish critically and commercially successful work until his death from blood poisoning in 1923.
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The Hidden Force : A Story of Modern Java (Classic Reprint)
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Condition: Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 53208483-20
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The Hidden Force: A Story of Modern Java (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. Step into the vibrant tapestry of colonial life in the Dutch East Indies at the turn of the 20th century with this book. The author paints a vivid picture of a society steeped in contrasts, where European colonizers and native inhabitants navigate a complex web of relationships. The narrative unfolds amidst the lush landscapes and bustling towns of Java, where the oppressive heat of the eastern monsoon hangs heavy in the air. The story delves into the lives of the Van Oudijck family, headed by the resident, a stern yet sentimental man burdened by the weight of authority and a yearning for connection. His wife, Leonie, is an enigmatic beauty whose radiant indifference masks a secret world of desires and dreams. As the story progresses, themes of power, cultural clash, and the hidden forces that shape our lives come to the fore. The author masterfully explores the intricacies of colonial society, exposing the tensions and unspoken truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday interactions. Through the characters' experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the enduring legacy of colonialism. This book offers a profound reflection on the human condition in a time of societal transformation, leaving readers with a lasting impression of the enduring power of cultural identity and the complexities of navigating a world divided. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781440073540_0
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The Hidden Force A Story of Modern Java Classic Reprint
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