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This Earth of Mankind

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980

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Book Brief

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Pramoedya Ananta Toer

This Earth of Mankind

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Indonesia • 1890s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, set in 1898 Java, follows Minke, a bright 18-year-old Native Javanese boy at a Dutch prep school, as he grapples with his cultural identity and an education-based allegiance while falling in love with Annelies, a girl with a concubine mother striving for a better future amid societal racial and gender biases. Chapters 6 and 14 contain descriptions of rape.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Romantic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer is widely praised for its rich historical context and profound exploration of Indonesian colonialism. Readers appreciate its compelling characters and emotional depth. However, some find its pacing slow and heavy with historical detail. Overall, it's a powerful and thought-provoking read, albeit occasionally dense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read This Earth of Mankind?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with rich cultural and political commentary, akin to Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits, will enjoy This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It caters to those interested in colonial history, human resilience, and complex character development.

Character List

Minke

An 18-year-old exceptionally bright and proud Javanese boy attending an exclusive prep school, recognized for his writing talent and fluency in multiple languages. He navigates cultural tensions and ambitions of traveling to the Netherlands for higher education.

The beautiful and emotionally delicate daughter of Nyai Ontosoroh and Herman Mellema, who forms a significant bond with Minke. She lives a sheltered life at her family's farm, reliant on her mother for guidance.

An influential and insightful businesswoman who was once bartered as a concubine and is the mother of Annelies. She is determined to provide for her daughter while shaping Minke's role in their lives.

A progressive literature instructor at Minke's school, known for her bold and open-minded teaching style. She supports Minke and appreciates his writing talent.

The family physician to Annelies and a trusted advisor to Nyai, focused on understanding the psychological aspects of Annelies's health. He candidly discusses Annelies's care with Minke.

Nyai's devoted servant and protector, known for his fighting background and readiness to defend her household. His impulsive actions often lead to significant clashes or confrontations.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Indonesia • 1890s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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