Revolt in Paradise

By K'tut Tantri

Book Overview

This is K'tut Tantri's absorbing account of her life in Bali, first as a young artist and later as a resistance fighter for Indonesian independence. Enchanted by the paradise seen on a movie screen, this young Scotswoman decides she must live in Bali. Once there, she attracts the attention of Prince Anak Agung Nura, who introduces her to his language and culture, and begins what will become a lifelong friendship. When war shatters her paradise, K'tut Tantri joins the Prince in the resistance movement, only to be captured, tortured, imprisoned and finally, near death, released. Hers is a story, the third book in the Griffin Paperback series of first-hand adventures set in exotic locales, of devotion and love for a people, as well as a tale of sheer guts, determination, and romance. "Bizarre experiences and passionate political convictions are related with richness and candor in this unusual autobiography."-- Booklist "More than a biography, this is a commentary on the struggle for independence, written from the Indonesian point of view. Moreover, it is first-rate adventure reading."-- Library Journal "A fast-paced tale...she writes with simplicity and directness uncommon to Western prose."-- Kirkus Reviews

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517573733
• ISBN13: 9780517573730
• Release Date: December 1989
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A great read

Revolt in Paradise is a classic and it is good to see it in print again after a long absence. It is rather hard to classify this book: maybe autobiography, perhaps historical novel, possibly adventure story. On the face of it, it purports to be autobiographical: the story of a British-born American woman's fifteen years in Indonesia in the 1930s and 1940s. Doubt has been cast on its accuracy and indeed the author beings the book by saying, `It is always difficult to be completely honest about oneself'. This does not matter. It's a great story. The story is divided into three parts. The first part tells of her time in Bali. In 1932 in Hollywood she saw the film Bali,The Last Paradise and shortly after set sail from New York on a cargo ship. She was an artist and made for Bali immediately after arriving in Java. Like all visitors at that time she stayed in the Dutch owned Bali Hotel in Denpasar. She felt, however, that this was not Bali but Holland, part of the colonial masters' country, and determined to leave as quickly as possible and live in a Balinese village. Such a thing was unheard of in those days but she hated the Dutch attitudes. She took off in her car, driving herself, and decided to stop when she ran out of petrol. The car happened to halt outside a Rajah's palace and although she does not mention it I have it on good authority that it was the palace of Bangli. She was accepted as one of the family and given a Balinese name - K'tut Tantri. K'tut is the fourth-born child - the Rajah already had three. In this section she describes what it was like to live with a royal family. She describes the various ceremonies she attended and trips she took. She also tells of run-ins and arguments with the Dutch authorities. They did not approve and schemed to deport her, but never succeeded. Her analysis is not terribly profound - the Balinese are all wonderful and the Dutch are all terrible. She herself is heroic and brilliant at all things. She formed a very close relationship with the Rajah's son Agung Nura. My informant tells me that she formed an even closer relationship with the Rajah himself. Agung Nura was active in the independence movement, which K'tut Tanri later joined. She found palace life a bit restrictive and unrepresentative of real Bali life and moved out and as she put it, `bought practically the whole of Kuta beach'. Here she put up a hotel in partnership with some Americans. This is a delightful section of the book despite the fact that she fell out with the Americans. The accounts of her relationships with her staff are endearing and clearly affectionate. The first hotel in Kuta seems to have been very popular. It was not a financial success, however, and she ran into difficulties with the Dutch authorities. Europe was at war. Germany invaded Holland and Japan invaded Indonesia - they landed in Bali first. The Dutch did not fire a shot in defence and fled to Java. It was no longer safe. K'tut Tantri left for Surabaya in E

The Dutch learned nothing from World War II

I was surprised to learn about the Dutch atrocities in Indonesia. The Japanese were bad enough and there are plenty accounts of their inhumane treatment of natives in conquered countries. However, what the Dutch did before and after the war was not good. In light of the current times torturing of others is unacceptable. Perps, no matter where they reside, White House included, should never be given a free pass on this behavior. They should all be hunted down and punished for their crimes against humanity. This is a fantastic account of human tragedy that should be brought to light and pursued for accountability.

worth reading

As a fan of historical fiction, I was greatly pleased to come across this book of historical...history? *grin* This autobiography is well written and compelling. Having lived in Indonesia for a number of years (and having visited Bali), I found it really fascinating. I think anyone would enjoy it, though. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with world history.

Very Interesting

Very good book. Tells a fascinating story about the author's life in Indonesia. Brave lady who was willing to risk everything for all she believed in.Vivid picture of Bali and the situation there, and the people and culture.