"Many of the stories in this volume are based on Pramoedya's own childhood and depict children struggling to make sense of adult motives and behavior. A boy bursts into uncontrollable tears when his father, who always tucks him in bed, doesn't come home one night and his mother cannot offer him a reasonable explanation. An eight-year-old girl, who is soon to be married off by her parents for money, brags to her playmate about the pretty clothes and makeup she will acquire. And a child's heart pounds in terror as he awaits his ritual circumcision, but he remains determined to do what it takes to become a true Muslim."

"Other stories portray the disillusionments of adulthood, in particular the brutality of war and the uneasiness of peace. An idealistic young soldier witnesses the barbaric beating of a man accused of being a spy. A blind paraplegic, a veteran of the war against the colonial government unleashes his rage and frustration on his mother. And a middle-aged patriot is left with no choice but to comply when Communist troops knock on his door and take him away."--Jacket.