Elsa Falk

Akio, the fourth born Seruni, lives (we think) in either a bale or a pekarangan, and has a talent for carving. But since the kliang desa has threatened to take one of Bapa's sawas if it cannot be farmed properly, Akio needs kepengs to hire workers. He is blessed with holy water by the pemangku and eventually makes his first brilliant carving of Dewi Rhati, the moon goddess, which is sold in Den Pasar for a handful of rupias. There is much ceremony among these people and a great fear of leyaks and demons and Kala. Confusion bordering on near-madness reigns where no glossary or inserted explanations provide even the most remote clue to the meaning of these strange but essential words. Adults with access to special reference books can clear up the mystery, but children will find this most frustrating fare.… (más)