Subject
Dayak (Bornean people) -- Fiction Books
Best books
M. T. H. (Michael Theophile Hubert) Perelaer
Borneo van Zuid naar Noord : $b Ethnografische Roman
"Borneo van Zuid naar Noord: Ethnografische Roman" by M. T. H. Perelaer is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative likely explores themes of colonialism and the cultural dynamics between the Dutch settlers and the indigenous populations of Borneo, focusing on the lives of soldiers and locals during a tumultuous historical period. The opening of the book sets up a military scenario involving the desertion of four soldiers, including two Swiss and a Belgian, as they flee from their duties in the Dutch East Indies. A lieutenant is alerted to their absence and assumes they may have gone AWOL, leading to a sense of urgency in the camp. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to various characters, including a Chinese merchant and a local indigenous leader, through military reports and exchanges, suggesting the complexities of their relationships within the colonial context. The writing hints at underlying tensions, both personal and political, as the characters navigate issues of loyalty, duty, and survival amidst the backdrop of rebellion.
M. T. H. (Michael Theophile Hubert) Perelaer
Ran away from the Dutch : $b Or, Borneo from South to North
"Ran Away from the Dutch: Or, Borneo from South to North" by M. T. H. Perelaer is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows a group of four military deserters—two Swiss, a Belgian, and a native—as they attempt to flee from Dutch colonial rule in Borneo to find freedom and a better life. Their journey is filled with peril, and the book explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the harsh realities of colonial military life. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a tense situation where four soldiers have gone missing from their post, prompting concern from their Colonel. We learn about the men's intentions to escape from military service due to disillusionment with the Dutch authorities and their miserable conditions. A detailed examination reveals their backgrounds and motivations, particularly highlighting their desperate wish to evade the turmoil of colonial life. The Colonel becomes distraught and ponders the actions he must take, including possibly sending native hunters after the deserters. Just as their escape plan commences, the layering of intrigue is heightened when their disguises and tactics are put to the test against both the dangers of the jungle and the pursuit from their former comrades in arms.
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