It’s been 10 years since this book was first published and it’s such a wonder (or not, ironically) that the contents are still relevant to what Indonesia looks like right now and how Indonesians behave, even when as a citizen I haven’t been to most of the places Pisani visited. Every page turned feels like a mix of a history lecture, a reality slap, a longing conversation with an old friend. A must-read for everyone who wants to know more about the most invisible country in the world.

The marvelous page turner by an accomplished journalist who has the linguistic and interpersonal skills to go anywhere and everywhere in these amazing islands. The old hand account from the bad old days until now chart the changes as Indonesia emerges as a democratic as well as economic success.

Anyone remotely interested in Southeast Asia should read this book, as it is the microcosm that explain the macrocosm

This book is exploring Indonesia from a different point of view. Reading this book made me feel less Indonesian than Elizabeth Pisani herself. Totally a great one!