Synopsis
On the edge of empire, a web of power, desire, and hidden forces tests loyalty and duty.
The Hidden Force follows Van Oudijck, a European official in colonial Java, as ambition collides with local loyalties, family duty, and a fragile sense of identity. Amid court intrigue, a seasoned diplomat confronts the pull of an unfamiliar culture and the pressures of a lineage he longs to revive.
Across a landscape of ceremonial dignity, mixed families, and whispered rivalries, intimate lives unfold under the gaze of a world that never stops watching. The story threads together personal longing with larger questions about power, belonging, and the costs of empire.
- Explore complex characters driven by duty, pride, and hidden desires.
- See how personal relationships shape political and cultural destinies.
- Delve into scenes of tension between European rulers and their Javanese subjects.
- Experience a richly atmospheric setting that blends personal drama with colonial history.
Ideal for readers who enjoy literary fiction set in a colonial world, where inner lives collide with public roles.
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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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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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