Kurniawan, Eka (1975-…), is an Indonesian author who gained international recognition through translations of his novels, including Beauty Is a Wound (2002), Man Tiger (2004), and Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash (2014). Kurniawan’s books are known for their lyrical descriptions, dark humor, graphic violence and sex, and magic realism. Magic realism is a style that blends fantasy, dreams, and magic with everyday reality. Kurniawan has suggested that the violence in his work reflects shocking acts of violence commonplace in Indonesian history and daily life.
Beauty Is a Wound is perhaps Kurniawan’s most celebrated novel. This epic tells the story of Dewi Ayu, a beautiful Indonesian prostitute who has risen from the dead, and her four daughters. The action is set in the fictional coastal town of Halimunda. The family saga is interwoven with events from Indonesian history, including the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during World War II (1939-1945); the country’s struggle for independence; a period under Communist rule; and the reign of the corrupt and brutal dictator Suharto.
The shorter novel Man Tiger centers on a young killer named Margio who believes that a white tigress lives inside his body. Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash tells the story of a young man’s identity struggles after witnessing sexual violence as a teenager.
Kurniawan was born on Nov. 28, 1975, at Tasikmalaya in West Java, Indonesia. He studied philosophy at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. Kurniawan’s other writings include short stories, essays, and screenplays. He has also worked as a freelance writer and graphic designer.
