Subject
Opium trade -- Indonesia -- Fiction Books
Best books
M. T. H. (Michael Theophile Hubert) Perelaer
Baboe Dalima; or, The Opium Fiend
"Baboe Dalima; or, The Opium Fiend" by M. T. H. Perelaer is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story opens against the backdrop of a stormy night on the northern coast of Java, blending themes of adventure and danger with elements of intrigue involving characters who grapple with crime and opium smuggling. The narrative centers around Ardjan and Dalima, two Javanese individuals caught in a perilous entanglement with the nefarious figures of the opium trade, primarily represented by the sinister Lim Ho. The opening of the book sets a dramatic scene, highlighting a raging storm as two Chinese men, Than Khan and Liem King, are stationed to assist a ship's crew at Moeara Tjatjing. As they scan the tumultuous sea, they spot Ardjan, who has fallen overboard and managed to reach the shore clinging to a surf boat. Dalima, his sister, is also rescued, but the two are ambushed by Liem King and Than Khan, who are intent on capturing them for Lim Ho, an opium farmer with dark intentions. The chapter establishes the conflict, with Ardjan being restrained and Dalima facing the malevolence of her captors as she navigates her troubled fate, setting the stage for the ensuing drama of the narrative.
M. T. H. (Michael Theophile Hubert) Perelaer
Baboe Dalima
"Baboe Dalima" by M. T. H. Perelaer is a novel written in the late 19th century that explores the themes of morality and corruption within the context of the opium trade in Dutch Indonesia. The book likely revolves around characters caught in the complex web of addiction, exploitation, and resistance, with a focus on the titular character, Dalima, alongside a male protagonist, Ardjan, who becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of opium. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the chaotic and stormy backdrop of a February night in Java. The main characters, Ardjan and Dalima, find themselves in a desperate situation as they try to navigate the dangers of the sea and man-made threats. Ardjan is ultimately captured by two Chinese henchmen, while Dalima's fate becomes uncertain, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines their struggles against the oppressive forces of the opium trade. The opening vividly captures the tumultuous environment of Indonesia while hinting at the broader societal issues that the narrative will tackle in relation to the opium monopoly and its impact on the lives of the characters.
Recently surfaced classics