About the author:
Junaedi Setiyono, born in Kebumen, Java, Indonesia, in 1965, is one of Indonesia's modern authors of historical fiction. His focus in on Javanese history and traditions, in particular of the colonial period in early 19th century. His first book Glonggong ("Singing aloud") was published in 2007. The author's third book Dasamuka ("The ten-headed demon, a character in an Old Javanese epic") won the Jakarta Arts Council Novel Writing Competition in 2012. So far, he has published four novels. He received his doctorate degree in language education studies from State University of Semarang/Indonesia, after having done research at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Two of his novels were published in English translation by Dalang Publisher, California.
More detailed information on the author:
https://dalangpublishing.com/junaedi-setiyono-bio-2

About the book:
Publisher: Kanisius, Yogyakarta
ISBN 978-979-21-6371-1
370 pages
Language: Indonesian

Tembang dan Perang was translated into English and published by Dalang Publishing in California in 2021 with the title "Panji's Quest".

Abstract:
The novel of Junaedi Setiyono Tembang dan Perang ("Song and War") draws back on the Indonesian classical love story Panji Angreni written around the year 1800. It makes part of the large corpus of Panji stories, all of them having the same major plot: Prince Panji and a Princess are betrothed to each other, but are separated by various circumstances. Many adventures happen before they meet again and are happily united. One of the characteristics of the Panji stories is the variety of storylines embedded in different contexts such as specific political, social and religious conditions. Junaedi Setiyono does the same: Within the classical Angreni story, he integrates the storyline about a commoner who gets involved in dramatical episodes and demonstrates the desperate subjection within the social hierarchy; by inserting dialogues on moral behaviour and references to philosophical teaching of Old Javanese traditions, the author enters critique and advice on religion, leadership and physical love. Such interventions may be understood as critique and advice for present-day society in Indonesia, as well. The poetic descriptions of events make the reader delve into the atmosphere of the respective settings. The story which is set far away - in time, place, and cultural background - will give the German reader access to a world full of universal wisdom.

Translator Dr Lydia Kieven presented the book in our pitching session on 3 March 2022.

For further information please contact:

Dr Lydia Kieven
On this website
Berrenrather Str. 315 C
D-50937 Köln
Tel. +49 (0)221 409626 /
Mob. +49 (0)176 504 666 04
Website: www.lydia-kieven.com