I went into a mythical adventure for the past few days delving into this collection of fairytales, folklores and traditional legends from around Nusantara; consists of 61 stories compiled through a vivid exploration and fascination muse by the author who grew up listening to her father’s story of Si Tanggang, this collection highlighted a wider theme of tales that were once written or orally told through generations.

I love how these stories bring out the nostalgic hue from my childhood as few stories were once I read/heard while growing up like Bawang Merah Bawang Putih and The Magic Swing (also included another version from Indonesia of these two rival sisters with a magic pumpkin premise), Legend of Ulek Mayang, Mahsuri, Singapura Dilanggar Todak as well as few tales of Sang Kancil and Pak Pandir. I fancy the historical (I appreciate the inclusion of few stories from Sulalat al-Salatin) and culture nuances (some were originated from tribe/ethnic groups like Tale of Gamong and The Crocodile Prince) for each and on how it contains a story of humankind and animals, of moral lesson and social criticism, on good deed vs bad deed and one’s spiritual beliefs. Having few that were written/told based on geomythical premises like Tasik Dayang Bunting and Akinabalu which quite engagingly narrated and picturesque for me.

My most fav would be Puteri Sanggul Berjuntai, Timun Mas and The Three Princesses and Prince Andriamohamona stories. Also few tales giving me a nice escape to a dreamy world like Puteri Bunga Tanjong and Jura’s Trip to Pleiades which so surreal and majestically told. Loving the two versions of The Owl and The Moon that reminds me to the proverb of bagai pungguk rindukan bulan; not a happy vibe story yet I love the magical element of it.

A great read to revisit the timeless and authenticity of our wondrous folktales and legends as the author shaped each narrative with a short explanation of meaning, related infos and personal thoughts at the end. So richly amusing and such an utterly enjoyable collection to me, would go for 4.3 stars to this!

Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy of this gem!