Set in Java at the height of Dutch colonial rule in the East Indies, Couperus’s evocative and sensual narrative depicts the clash between Western rationalism, represented by the district commissioner Otto van Oudijck, and ancient indigenous mystical traditions upheld by the local native prince, Sunario. The behaviour of Van Oudijck’s promiscuous wife Léonie proves to be his Achilles heel, and his seemingly impregnable authority disintegrates.
"A tragedy of colonialism... fully comparable to the work of Joseph Conrad." - Bookworld
"Surprisingly fresh and lively. It’s astounding how early Couperus foresaw the end of the Colonial period." - Süddeutsche Zeitung
Set in Java at the height of Dutch colonial rule in the East Indies, Couperus’s evocative and sensual narrative depicts the clash between Western rationalism, represented by the district commissioner Otto van Oudijck, and ancient indigenous mystical traditions upheld by the local native prince, Sunario. The behaviour of Van Oudijck’s promiscuous wife Léonie proves to be his Achilles heel, and his seemingly impregnable authority disintegrates.
Praise
"A tragedy of colonialism... fully comparable to the work of Joseph Conrad." - Bookworld
"Surprisingly fresh and lively. It’s astounding how early Couperus foresaw the end of the Colonial period." - Süddeutsche Zeitung
