BitterSweet: The Memoir of a Chinese-Indonesian Family in the Twentieth Century [Paperback]

Millions of Chinese have left the mainland over the last two centuries in search of new beginnings. The majority went to Southeast Asia, and the single largest destination was the colony of the Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia. Wherever the Chinese landed they prospered, but in Indonesia, even though some families made fortunes, they never felt they quite belonged.

BitterSweetis the account of one Chinese-Indonesian family whose story stretches over the generations as their fortunes waxed and waned through revolution, riots, war, depression, occupation, and finally emigration to yet another country—Australia.

BitterSweetoffers a unique insight into a world rarely seen before. An Sudibjo’s memoir, written from a woman’s perspective, is a valuable resource for anyone studying Indonesian history or the Chinese Diaspora.

During the Chinese Diaspora, the single largest destination for immigrants was the colony of the Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia.BitterSweetis the account of one Chinese-Indonesian family whose story stretches over the generations as their fortunes waxed and waned through revolution, riots, war, depression, occupation, and finally emigration to yet another country—Australia.

In an unadorned manner Sudibyo depicts the personal and social interactions between the Dutch, the Chinese and the indigenous Indonesians, revealing political boundaries as well as underlying values. Her detailed portrayal of the lives of various family members and the day-to-day happenings in the places where her parents did business gives invaluable insight into that part of society and how it lived at that time.... An Sudibyo comes across as totally human, and more importantly, very real.... A delightful book to read for historical knowledge as well as entertainment.
The Jakarta Post