Synopsis: All my life, I see four legged humans. Dog, pig or buffalo tailed. And snake, bull, or donkey headed. But still they're not animals. Their table manner is definitely correct.
They always use proper words to say and polite behavior. And they read sterling books. They read important notes. They dress beautifully with gown and tie. They are even believed to have a heart. I look to myself in the mirror thoroughly. I am two legged, human headed, but to them, I am an animal.
They say, I am a monkey. When they tell me that, I am so happy. I say, if I am a monkey, then I will be the only animal that has the most resemblance to human. That means, I am better than them. But they are human not animal, because they have minds and feekungs. And I am just an animal. Just a monkey!
My Comment:
Wow, It was brilliant. Using animals as irony and personification. Djenar Maesa Ayu perfectly described the "human" based on animal's behavior. Once I read this book, I just couldn't stop. It was really interesting. Sensuality and past-life bitterness were glued to every story in it. Most of the stories made me say "Oh My God" and bit my lip to show how deep the story has gotten to me. However, this book was the mix of Djenar's short story, I could feel that each story has a lot of similarity and I eventually got bored. The good thing is this book is only 137 pages.
Title: Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet! (They Say, I Am A Monkey!)
Author: Djenar Maesa Ayu
Year: 2002
Publisher: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama
My Rating:
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