Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai is pictured at Premio Formentor de las Letras 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, September 27, 2024 in this handout photo. Krasznahorkai was awarded 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Hungary's 'master of the apocalypse' Krasznahorkai wins literature Nobel

Critically difficult and demanding, his style was described once by Krasznahorkai himself as "reality examined to the point of madness".

4 weeks ago

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Through Liu Kang’s lens: A time capsule of Indonesia in 1952

A rediscovered trove of photographs, sketches and letters reveals artist Liu Kang’s intimate journey through Indonesia in the 1950s, capturing a young nation in transition and the everyday lives of its people. ...

1 month ago

Books

From novelist to influencer: the many sides to Albert Camus

Winner of the Nobel prize three years before his tragic death in 1960 at the age of 46, Camus has found new admirers in younger generations who love to quote him in rap lyrics and on social media. ...

2 months ago

The Latest

The Man Booker is the world's most prestigious English-language literary award and the winner is guaranteed a huge increase in global sales that dwarfs the £50,000 (55,400 euros, $66,400) prize.

Books

Paul Auster tops shortlist for Man Booker prize

US author Paul Auster tops the shortlist for Britain's prestigious Man Booker Prize published Wednesday, one of six books that organizers said "collectively push against the borders of convention".

8 years ago

Reading has many physical and psychological benefits, including reducing your overall stress.

Books

Decreasing stress, increasing skills: Very good reasons to read regularly

Whether a paperback, a newspaper or e-book, reading has been proven to be beneficial in many ways in addition to making you more empathetic.

8 years ago

Books

Fake news, '1984' and our obsession with 'the truth'

In the half-century since Orwell first wrote 1984, we have seen the world transformed by the rise of the internet and, with it, a growth in our access to information and the truth

8 years ago

Books

’27 Days of Heartbreak’: Documenting post-breakup coping process

27 days of Heartbreak, a uniquely-styled fiction documenting a heartbreak process was launched Sept. 8 at Kinokuniya Bookstore, Plaza Senayan in South Jakarta by Gramedia Pustaka Utama.

8 years ago

Lontar Foundation’s co-founder John H. McGlynn, an American who has been in Indonesia for the past 40 years and shares a passion for Indonesian arts as a whole.

Books

John McGlynn: The uphill climb for Indonesian literature

As McGlynn describes, it is still a “slow, uphill climb,” even after three decades and support from many notable Indonesian authors.

8 years ago

Before the establishment of the Lontar Foundation, there was virtually no place in the world where one could find translated versions of Indonesian literature.

Books

The importance of literary translation for global recognition

Since 1987, the Lontar Foundation has been one of the most active independent institutions in translating Indonesian works into English, quietly developing and making local literature accessible abroad as a result.

8 years ago

Painful past: Martin Aleida gives a testimony at the International People´s Tribunal in The Hague in November 2015.

Books

Martin Aleida: Voicing unheard voices

While backpacking across Europe to meet Indonesians living in exile, author Martin Aleida discovered that even though they may no longer live in Indonesia, the country remains in their hearts.

8 years ago

According to the company, the interactive site, which is free for all registered users of Pottermore, will work on most smartphones, tablets and computers, and also includes clickable hotspots for those who want to delve deeper into some of the attractions.

Books

Pottermore launches immersive digital experience for ‘Harry Potter’ fans

J.K. Rowling’s digital publishing, e-commerce, entertainment and news company Pottermore has unveiled a new “Harry Potter” experience for fans.

8 years ago

An insider’s illustrations and narration sheds new light on the dark history of a prison camp on Buru Island in Maluku.

Books

Mars Noersmono: Surviving a harsh life on Buru Island

An insider’s illustrations and narration sheds new light on the dark history of a prison camp on Buru Island in Maluku.

8 years ago

Books

'Anak Rantau' a story of wounds and forgiveness

Fans of Ahmad Fuadi’s work can now add his newly released book, Anak Rantau (Wandering Kid), to their bookshelf.

8 years ago

Initiated by Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI), the event is targeting to feature 20 participating countries.

Books

Indonesia International Book Fair to return in September

Indonesia International Book Fair (IIBF) is set to return on Sept. 6-10 at the Assembly Hall of the Jakarta Convention Center.

8 years ago

Mice’s comic book presents a basic understanding of the social phenomena of that time.

Books

'Indonesia 1998': A satirical illustration of the country's past

An English translation of the comic book aims to help more people understand the tragedy.

8 years ago

There’s an art to translation, the awareness and caution of literary devices and context; an active exploration of the author’s mind and the world around them, as well as their intentions.

Books

All the things we've lost in translation

Language is a fickle thing, and oftentimes words betray meaning.

8 years ago

ASEAN Literary Festival took place over the weekend at West Jakarta’s famed Kota Tua heritage site.

Books

ASEAN Literary Festival highlights freedom of expression, inclusiveness

It’s time for courageous writers to stand tall and make a difference.

8 years ago

As a Chinese Christian political leader in a country where over 80 percent are Muslim and less than 5 percent are of Chinese descent, Ahok was both an anomaly and a groundbreaker.

Books

Getting to know Ahok through 'Merubah Indonesia'

Ahok’s penchant for inflammatory comments most likely stemmed from his upbringing.

8 years ago

This file photo taken on February 11, 2010, shows former South African president Nelson Mandela (L) as he laughs while sitting beside his wife Graca Machel (R) in the parliament gallery in Cape Town. An ambulance carrying South Africa's first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela caught fire as it was rushing him to hospital, his doctor revealed in a book published on July 17, 2017.

Books

Mandela book withdrawn after outrage from widow

A new book detailing Nelson Mandela's last days has been withdrawn after it was condemned by his outraged widow, publisher Penguin Random House said Monday.

8 years ago

With the “Game of Thrones” hype skyrocketing in the TV series’ penultimate season, fans are wondering when George R.R. Martin will come around to finishing the sixth book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.

Books

George R.R. Martin may publish 2 books in 2018—‘who knows’

The novelist took to his blog to reassure fans, this time announcing that “The Book of Swords,” an anthology of fantasy short stories by award-winning authors, can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

8 years ago

Literary fest: The preserved part of Kota Tua (Old Town) in West Jakarta will host the upcoming ASEAN Literary Festival from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6.

Books

ASEAN Literary Festival taking the road 'beyond imagination'

It is high time to talk about societal changes in this part of the world; discuss issues of religious radicalism, intolerance and blasphemy or, better yet, write about them.

8 years ago

Adults, including parents and teachers, are key to helping children learn about tolerance from a young age.

Books

Adults key to children's interpretation of tolerance

Children may see a lot of things in everyday life, but they do not yet understand much of it, according to a discussion panel that stresses the importance of the role of adults, especially parents and teachers, in teaching children tolerance early on.

8 years ago

Copies of the book 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' will make its official Broadway debut on April 22 at the Lyric Theatre.

Books

2 books about ‘Harry Potter’ world to come out this October

The “Harry Potter” wizarding universe is as vast as they come and could become subject to multiple spin-offs for years to come.

8 years ago

Author of Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, Kevin Kwan.

Books

Tyersall Park drama absolutely not inspired by Oxley Road: Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan talks exclusively to The Jakarta Post about the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, celebrity appearances in the books and how similar the third book’s conflicts are to real-life happenings.

8 years ago

JK Rowling arriving for the World Premiere of 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows pt2', Trafalgar Square, London.

Books

J.K. Rowling reveals 'lost' manuscript written on her party dress

In a recent interview, celebrated author J.K. Rowling revealed that she has scribbled a manuscript across a party dress currently hanging in her closet.

8 years ago

Two wonderful architectures: Both the Taj Mahal in India and Borobudur in Indonesia are among the Wonders of the World and are UNESCO heritage sites.

Books

Ties that bind

A photobook chronicles the political and cultural relations between Indonesia and India over the last 70 years.

8 years ago

Artwork: A number of high quality batik works are on display during the launch of Kartini Muljadi’s latest book.

Books

A historical journey through Batik

Kartini Muljadi did something different to celebrate her 87th birthday: The woman once known as an attorney published a book about her batik collection.

8 years ago

Books

Snow Over Surabaya informative, entertaining work on Indonesia’s struggle for freedom

When Nigel Barley’s latest offering, Snow Over Surabaya, hit the Indonesian bookstores sometime last month, my heartbeat quickened just a little.

8 years ago

Looking for another story about magic, centering on another boy who lives in England? Look no further.

Books

Books to read when you miss 'Harry Potter'

Besides, of course, the Harry Potter series itself. Why limit the magic?

8 years ago

This file photo taken on July 15, 2005 shows author J.K Rowling in front of Edinburgh Castle for the worldwide launch of the latest book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The creator of a wizarding empire which has dazzled the world, J. K. Rowling struggled through hardship to become an unrivalled children's author with a global voice. Now 20 years since "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was first published, inspiring a generation of young readers -- and their parents -- it is hard to imagine Rowling before the seven Harry Potter books.

Books

J. K. Rowling marks 'wonderful' Harry Potter anniversary

Author J. K. Rowling on Monday marked the "wonderful" two decades since her Harry Potter creation first hit the shelves, starting a global literary phenomenon which has inspired a generation.

8 years ago

A book and a cup of coffee. There is no better time to finally catch up with your reading goal than a vacation.

Books

Five books for your vacation reading list

Here are some books to accompany you during your break away, or while at home. It's okay, we don't judge.

8 years ago

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Harry Potter turns 20: Business empire with humble start

After years of rejection letters, British author J.K. Rowling finally published the first volume of the Harry Potter saga 20 years ago, on June 26, 1997.

8 years ago

Books

Harry Potter turns 20: Business empire with humble start

After years of rejection letters, British author J.K. Rowling finally published the first volume of the Harry Potter saga 20 years ago, on June 26, 1997.

8 years ago

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