The novel "Pulang" by Leila S. Chudori is a powerful exploration of the human experience of exile and the search for identity in a foreign land. The story follows Dimas Suryo, an Indonesian exile who is forced to leave his homeland due to political circumstances, on his journey to find a new sense of belonging in France. 

    The novel talks a lot about home and how important it is to Dimas. Home isn't just a building to him; it is where he feels like he belongs and where he's emotionally connected. He really wants to go back to Indonesia, for living in France is tough and risky for him.

The Struggle for Identity

    In the story, Dimas has a hard time figuring out who he really is. Being away from his home country makes him deal with lots of different identities and beliefs. Living in a new place makes it even harder for him. The author shows how being away from home can mess with your sense of who you are and where you belong.

The Power of Memory

    Memory plays a crucial role in the novel, as Dimas's memories of his homeland and his past serve as a source of comfort and identity in his new life. The author uses the concept of memory to explore the ways in which our experiences shape our sense of self and the ways in which memory can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain.

The Search for Belonging

    Dimas and his friends try really hard to fit in and feel like they belong in their new home. The author shows how tough it can be to feel like you belong in a place that is not where you're from. Looking to fit in in a new place can make you feel both hopeful and hopeless.

The Impact of Exile on Identity

    The novel talks about how being forced to leave your home can really change who you are. Dimas has a hard time in France because he has to think a lot about who he is and where he comes from. The author shows how being far from home can make you think differently about yourself and make you question who you are.

The Role of Culture in Identity

    The novel also explores the role of culture in identity. Dimas's experiences in France highlight the tensions between his Indonesian culture and the French culture in which he finds himself. The author uses this conflict to explore how culture shapes our sense of identity and the ways in which we negotiate our cultural identities in a foreign land.

Conclusion

    In conclusion, “Pulang” is a strong and deep book that looks at the challenges of figuring out who you are and where you belong when you're living away from your home country. Through the story of Dimas Suryo, The author masterfully captures the human experience of exile and the search for identity and belonging in a foreign land. The novel shows how stories can help us understand what it is like for people who have had to leave their homes to find a better life.

Content Writer : Monica Devina Purbaningtyas

Editor : Nailabila Salgrisia Ayoumi