“"“One memory often triggers another. If this happens, the book will never be finished.”. _Polycarpus Swantoro, p. xxvi
In August 2025, I attended an invitation from the Provincial Library in Mataram. The invitation was for a "Writing Based on Local Cultural Content" program. This program targeted several literacy activists across the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. I learned a lot, especially about the cultural history of the Sasak (Lombok), Bima, Taliwang, and Sumbawa. This writing program was scheduled for three meetings.
Before the activity began, while the speakers were still chatting casually, I took the time to read some of the books on display on the library shelves. I read a few titles, occasionally skipping over them. One of them... cover What makes me curious is the book with the title; ; From Book to Book; Connect Connect to Become One work P. Swantoro.
In my mind, this book will examine the history of books such as the work of Fernando Bâez, from Venezuela who witnessed the atrocities of American soldiers during the invasion of Iraq, 2003. They destroyed books, destroyed museums and burned manuscript pages. Or, the content is like Johannes Pedersen's work, about the history of book literature in the Arab world.
However, in fact, this 472-page book tells the story of the author's early history, his interactions with books. Although it seems more like a discussion about... source It encompasses history, figures, struggles, politics, and literary stories, yet this book is written in a dense and comprehensive manner. Its contents are more coherent and have a theme, though occasionally they clash.
The story begins with the adventures of the author's grandfather, who seeks help from a man named Bunyamin Wibisono. Mr. Buyamin's hobby is collecting old books, a hobby that is perhaps rare in today's world. It may be both rare and expensive. Readers will be invited to travel the world, documenting life in Asia, Europe, the East, and the West.
Plot twist What is not expected is that the grandfather described in this book turns out to be the author of the book himself, namely, Mr. Polycarpus Swantoro, or P. Swantoro. Although it seems a bit unparalleled in each of the themes discussed, however, the reader will understand that A writer's formula is to lead the reader into a space of reflection and thought.
In his foreword, Mr. Jakob Oetama, who is also the CEO of Kompas-Gramedia, appreciated this book by saying, "Reading a book entitled From Book to Book” Connecting to Becoming One, exciting, flowing in a story"”
This isn't to make a paradoxical statement about the CEO mentioned above. Rather, I, as a reader of this book, am engaging my mind in a "fight." It's battling confusion, history, and ignorance about the book I'm reading. For me, this book contains a very important message that's difficult to find a conclusion for.
Imagine, in this one book, you'll find approximately 200 other titles told with meaning. Whether from the perspective of a figure, a historian, a politician, a country, or Indonesia, the author has successfully written history with sincerity, feeling, awareness, and sincerity of spirit. This book could be described as a mini-history. classical-contemporary encyclopedia rare.
Not only are national figures and historians reviewed, but foreign figures, writers, and historians are also captured, along with their intellectual footprints and writings. Embraced by the author's powerful and compelling memory, this book offers a fresh perspective for readers who enjoy navigating the waves of complexity.
As a book lover, I agree more with the synopsis review that describes the author's content as a "jump for joy." Readers will indeed be occasionally misled by the author's expansive mind. This misdirection will be resolved when readers read the book again or twice. Of course, this isn't some kind of "logical torture" or "intellectual stunting." Rather, it's more about demanding understanding.
Reading is about igniting the imagination, not killing it. A vibrant imagination can reach complex conclusions by forcing information to provide solutions. This book presents the power of literacy. Most people persevere through complex processes and emerge victorious. This image is illustrated when readers successfully complete the final page of this book.
At one point, this book offers hope and a new perspective for its readers. Amidst the complexity of thinking, it aims to ease the reader's understanding of the meaning of something they haven't yet grasped. While a bit shaky at first, readers will find it more rhythmic and familiar once they've surfed and become immersed in the verses of these complexities.
Nearly two weeks have passed since I borrowed the book from the NTB Provincial Library. To this day, I'm still struggling to understand and spell parallels, complete puzzles, and navigate mazes that still trap biased spellings.
From book to book, connecting to become one. It's still at its best so far. The author's skill has given this book its longevity.
Hope it inspires!
