BOOK BRIEF

Beauty Is a Wound

Eka Kurniawan
Guide cover placeholder

Beauty Is a Wound

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Eka Kurniawan

Beauty Is a Wound

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

470

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Indonesia • 20th century

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Beauty Is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan is a complex tale blending myth and history in Indonesia. It follows Dewi Ayu, a person resurrected after 21 years, and their impact on family and society across generations. The narrative explores themes of colonialism, war, and identity through vivid storytelling.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Melancholic

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.9

16,844 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Eka Kurniawan's Beauty Is a Wound intertwines Indonesian history with magical realism. Praised for its vibrant characters and inventive storytelling, the novel captivates with its rich cultural tapestry. However, some critique its dense narrative and graphic content. Overall, it's an ambitious and evocative work that challenges and engages readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beauty Is a Wound?

Readers who appreciate One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez and enjoy magical realism, rich historical settings, and multi-generational tales with elements of the supernatural and satire will find Beauty Is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan captivating.

3.9

16,844 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

470

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Indonesia • 20th century

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!