TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Andrea Hirata's The Rainbow Troops is now available in Indonesia. The book is an English version of his Laskar Pelangi novel book and was initially only available in Amazone.com.
Due to high demand, Andrea finally launched the book that was published by Sarah Crichton Books, United States, in Indonesia to be used as a mean to learn English. The book was based on his childhood experiences in the Belitung where he later described it "an irony about a lack of access to education for children in one of the world's wealthiest islands."
"I am so moved that finally the book can be sold in our own store," said Andrea at the Periplus, Lotte Shopping Avenue on Thursday, December 12.
Andrea revealed that there is difference between the Indonesian version and the English version.
"The result is compact and powerful. The American edition is intellectually powerful while the Indonesian version is emotionally powerful," said Andrea. "Hopefully it will be able to inspire."
Few months ago, Andrea Hirata achieved an award in 2013 New York Book Festival for the general fiction category. He had also received an award for the Germany version of The Rainbow Troops.
"I am still shocked. I don't think I deserve this. It will spur on me to learn more," said the writer. The Rainbow Troops had been translated into many languages such as Italian, Germany, and Portugal. The French version is now on its way.
ANT | ALIA
