Indonesia has a famous female novelist. Her name is Nurhayati Dini or NH Dini.I read one of her novels, Hati Yang Damai (Peaceful Heart), for the first time in high school. At that time, I registered as a member of the regional library. With the membership card, I could borrow two books to take home.
This novel explores the theme of romance. The dialogue flows smoothly while effectively conveying Dati’s anxiety as she fights for her love. As a teenager, I was confused by the ups and downs of romance portrayed in the story. When the novel touched on the issue of infidelity, that was too hard for my consumption as a very young girl. Now (I have been much older), I realize that many others have similar experiences.
I have read the novel more than twice and enjoy revisiting it. I need to explore and better understand Dati’s anxiety.
What I like about NH Dini’s writing is her deliberate pacing and detailed descriptions of her characters. This is slightly reminiscent of Jane Austen’s style. However, the social backgrounds of the characters created by Jane and NH Dini differ significantly. While Austen often writes about characters from noble backgrounds, NH Dini focuses on ordinary Javanese women in her novels.
Hati Yang Damai was published in 1961. In my opinion, the storyline is quite daring. A married woman involved in a love triangle? Only NH Dini was moved to write that in her novel, going against the era that idolized married women as someone loyal and devoted to their husbands and families.
my thoughts on the environment, travel and life reflections 