I think the Indonesia culture reflections in the book is magnificent. I adore every little details about the swamp full of crocs, shamans wizardry abilities, and especially the tin mining industry that caused conflicts between the locals and the governmental authority. Above all, messages of education packed in the story both enthralled and haunted me at the same time when I reached the last paragraph. Principle Harfan’s teaching passion spanning most of his lifetime left a quote that will never die about “the breath of education and a place called school.” I know education nowadays is filled with tons of problems, and maybe true as “corrupted” in some’s opinions, but I never believe that and let’s hope education is given to children who care.
by linerds22
2 Comments
I don’t know if you have access to it, but be sure to watch [the film adaptation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laskar_Pelangi) directed by Riri Riza. I can tell you it was a phenomenon in Indonesia.
I read it in high school and I loved it. It was funny, touching, and somewhat relatable (I grew up in a small village). The rest of the series is just okay, not on par with the first book. I haven’t read it again so I don’t know if it would still hold up.