Bill Bryson channels Margaret Mead

An excellent travel narrative of the nation, beyond the tourist zones of Jakarta and Bali. Pisani visits some fairly remote areas, running across ethnicities that even the folks in the cities aren't aware of themselves ("It's all 'tribal' out there ..."). While she does a great job in relating stories that weren't so funny at the time, but she can laugh at them now (such as going back into a quicksand-like mudhole to retrieve a sandal out of sheer determination); however, the sections of the legal system, and ecological problems, were a bit grim.

Definitely recommended for an insight into the country from a westerner who has spent serious time there, speaking the language fluently. Audio narrator was well-matched to the material.

10 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Cultural diversity melts away

Elizabeth is another person who can speak the major language and traverses every corner of this vast group of islands with an eye toward seeing the distinct differences, as well as the government's attempt to spread Javanese as the dominant and sophisticated culture. I've never been outside the airport in Jakarta, but an island with 100 million people has got to be just chaos. Then the government wants to move people to Kalimantan. Culturally different people. Elizabeth is a brave lady riding boats between islands. Thanks for the adventure in between my own.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Indonesian speakers beware!!

What made the experience of listening to Indonesia, Etc. the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the perspective of the writer. Having lived in Indonesia, Jakarta only. It was nice to hear more about the other provinces.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jan Cramer?

I would have preferred to have the narrator pronounce the Indonesia words closer to the correct Indonesian pronunciation. There were far too many times the narrator's pronunciation of Indonesian words were so far from correct, I had no idea what she was saying. It forced me to rewind the narration and listen two or three times before I was able to decipher the word. I don't know why the author allowed this to happen.

Any additional comments?

The story was compelling enough for me to struggle through the poor pronunciation. Please Dr. Pisani, don't let anyone convince you to Anglicize the pronunciation of Indonesian words in books about Indonesia.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Wonderful, evocotive

This is a truly inspiring travel account of Indonesia, written by an English expat who's love for the country (and profound understanding) oozes from every line. Audible needs many more books on Indonesia, but this is a very good start.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

fascinating travel, cultural and people story

this gave me a great sense of a sprawling, diverse country that is so far away and in many ways so different from me. it is told with compassion, humor, insight and deep honesty.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Pompous, Superior-to-all-others, British overdose

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who love NPR and the BBC.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Anything but this. I quit after chapter 4. And I really wanted to like it.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Way too properly British for an author who admits she spent relatively little time in England.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I am traveling to Indonesia in about a month, so I thought this Audible title would be a good introduction. There is some useful information about Indonesian culture.. It's just tough to get past the attitude and the author's gratuitous slams against American institutions. She obviously has a Euro-socialist mindset and she can't resist any opportunity to force her socialist views on the listener, even if they have nothing to do with the story.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Fascinating look hidden away places of Indonesia

I frequently travel to remote parts of Indonesia. This book captures so much of what I've experienced. Well written and wonderfully read.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Very informative and entertaining book

Any additional comments?

I like this book. The author is very candid on her impressions and made some effort to put things on context. I wish somebody would write something like this for my country (Philippines). Indonesians and Filipinos seems to have a lot of similarities.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Capturing the essence of Indonesia

What made the experience of listening to Indonesia, Etc. the most enjoyable?

If you want to know, I mean really start to know Indonesia this book is a great place to start. It wont tell you everything, no book can. What it does do is give you a varied and in-depth information about the people, politics, and culture of Indonesia. I dare say no other book provides such an accurate snapshot of Indonesian culture. The author is informed, non-judgmental, and has the years of experience necessary to explain some of the nuances of the culture.

What does Jan Cramer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A good narrator that fits ones impressions and expectations of the the author.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Not my usual cup of tea, but...

This book is largely a travelogue with just enough history to explain the backstory of the experiences. I normally prefer straight histories, but this book really gave a great flavor of what the disparate island cultures are really like. I had no idea there were so many differences (probably because most of the Indonesians I meet work in the same industry). I now feel much-better equipped to talk with those I meet without making a fool of myself out of ignorance.