Novani Nugrahani, Jakarta – A novel by Indonesian author Laksmi Pamuntjak, Amba, which was translated into German under the title "Alle Farben Rot", has sold more than 10,000 copies since sales opened in Germany on Sept. 25.

"I am happy yet surprised to receive the good news from my publishers in Germany that sales of 'Alle Farben Rot' in the country have surpassed 10,000 copies in just nine weeks," said Laksmi in a recent press release.

In an addition to its success in sales, the book has been named one of the best novels by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Bild newspapers and has received high praise from Austria-based media organization ORF and literary organization Weltempfaenger.

"I feel very honored to see my book highly appreciated in countries where people are educated and critical readers," added Laksmi.

The book has been translated into Dutch under the title "Amba of de Kleur van Rood", and is set to be printed in the US in July 2016 with "The Question of Red" as its title.

The historical novel is a modern take on the story of Amba and Bhisma during the Mahabharata epic. The story is set against the backdrop of bloody historical events of 1965 and Buru penal island in the western part of Maluku.

"I wanted to present a story about unknown people whose lives were drastically changed because of a cruel and crushing event," said Laksmi. (kes)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/12/09/historical-indonesian-novel-praised-germany.html