Tarian Bumi (Earth Dance)
Description
Author: Oka Rusmini
Published: Indonesia Tera
Year Published: 2000
Category: Fiction
In the midst of the splendor of Bali, there are various forms of injustice experienced by Balinese women such as caste issues. Women of Brahmin caste (like the Telaga character in this novel) cannot have husbands from lower castes, must speak different languages and view all aspects of life from a higher perspective. The conflict begins when Telaga falls in love with a sudra man. Telaga is squeezed between love and customs that must be upheld. Choosing one is tantamount to sacrificing half of his life. With a strong Balinese cultural setting, this novel shows the true position of Balinese women in society.