Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World

by David Van Reybrouck
Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World cover
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  • ID: 3066
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
insightful 4.00

Revolusi offers a fresh perspective on Indonesia's pivotal role in shaping the modern world, highlighting the country's struggle for independence and its global impact. The book is praised for its comprehensive research and engaging narrative, though some may find the depth of detail overwhelming.

Revolusi provides a compelling and well-researched account of Indonesia's journey towards independence and its significant influence on the modern world. The author delves into the complexities of the revolution, offering a nuanced understanding of the events and figures that shaped the nation. The book's strength lies in its ability to connect Indonesia's struggle to broader global narratives, making it a valuable read for those interested in history and international relations. However, the sheer volume of information might be daunting for some readers, and the pacing can feel uneven at times. Overall, it's a thought-provoking exploration that challenges conventional views of the 20th century.

Quick quotes

    The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together the personal and the political

    It's a testament to the author's skill that such a complex narrative remains so engaging

    Revolusi is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the interconnectedness of global history

cannonballread.com · Unknown · 2025-02-09
intriguing 4.50

David Van Reybrouck's 'Revolusi' sheds light on Indonesia's often overlooked revolution and its global impact. The book explores the Dutch colonial legacy and the complex path to independence, highlighting the perspectives of those whose stories are often forgotten.

David Van Reybrouck's 'Revolusi' brings to the forefront the significant yet often overlooked Indonesian revolution and its profound impact on the modern world. The book delves into the Dutch colonial past, revealing a complex social structure and the brutal realities of imperialism. By interviewing elderly Indonesians and Dutch citizens, Van Reybrouck uncovers personal stories that have been largely ignored in historical narratives. The revolution, marked by jungle battles and political maneuvering, is portrayed as a pivotal moment that reshaped global dynamics. The book also explores the lingering effects of colonialism and the evolving relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands, offering a nuanced perspective on a transformative period in history.

Quick quotes

    The apologies for the history of slavery and the police actions, as made by the king, will be withdrawn.

    The horrors that the Netherlands unleashed on Indonesia are hardly unique in Europe’s history of imperialism. Why are the Dutch so much prouder than their European cousins?

    The deck motif is revisited repeatedly throughout the book as Van Reybrouck traces the changing fortunes of colonial society as war erupts first in Europe and then in the Pacific.

historytoday.com · Unknown · 2024-03-03
fascinating 4.50

Revolusi by David van Reybrouck is a compelling narrative of Indonesia's struggle for independence, blending historical context with personal accounts to highlight the brutal colonial past and the impact of the revolution on the modern world. The book is praised for its thorough research and relevance to contemporary issues of colonialism and exploitation.

Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World by David van Reybrouck offers a detailed and engaging account of Indonesia's fight for independence from Western powers. The book begins with a comprehensive overview of the archipelago's pre-history, including the arrival of various cultural influences and the brutal exploitation by the Dutch through the VOC. Van Reybrouck uses the analogy of a segregated steamship to illustrate the rigid class structure imposed by the Dutch, which ultimately failed. The core of the book focuses on the critical years between 1930 and 1950, drawing on interviews with over 180 individuals to provide a nuanced perspective on the diverse experiences of the time. The narrative highlights the violence and disillusionment that led to the Indonesian revolution, culminating in independence in 1949. The book also explores the aftermath, including the Bandung Conference and the subsequent political shifts that buried Indonesia's historical impact. Van Reybrouck's insights on colonialism and its modern parallels make the book both historically significant and relevant to contemporary issues.

Quick quotes

    A quarter to a third of the coolies died before completing their contracts. And all this because gentlemen on the far side of the globe enjoyed puffing on cigars.

    But in addition to that vertical component, there are always numerous horizontal processes. Neighboring countries play a role, allies, local militias, regional players, international organizations and so on. These should not be filtered out.

    Those words fort came out in the original Dutch Edition in 2020. In the first few weeks of 2025, they really hit hard as a clear, considered explanation of what the tech-broligarchy are attempting at this moment

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