Beauty is a Wound

Beauty is a Wound is a novel by Indonesian author Eka Kurniawan that intertwines the story of a beautiful woman named Dewi Ayu with the history of Indonesia, exploring themes of beauty, tragedy, and the complexities of human relationships.

The novel follows the life of Dewi Ayu, a beautiful woman who returns from the dead to tell her story. It delves into her tumultuous life, her relationships with her family, and the impact of historical events on her existence. The narrative is rich with magical realism and reflects on the beauty and pain of life.

Dewi Ayu, a woman of extraordinary beauty, faces numerous challenges and tragedies throughout her life. After her death, she narrates her life story, revealing the intertwined fates of her family and the historical backdrop of Indonesia, including colonialism and the struggle for independence.