The Year of Living Dangerously

Intriguing thriller set in one of Indonesia's most turbulent times follows the basic plot of most of that country's shadow puppet fables. Viz: The earthly balance of good and evil has lapsed, and the clueless but good-hearted hero finds himself aided by the unexpected attentions of a bold dwarf. There is so much going on, it's to be enjoyed on several levels. Innocence lost, cloak and daggery, true political intrigue, guy meets girl, expatriate sleaze, lessons in Indonesian culture: it's all there. Very nicely written with a perfect pace and memorable characters; Koch seems to be a great observer and decent researcher. So nicely composed was this book, the subsequent film (featuring breathtakingly fresh performances by youngsters Sigourney Weaver and Mel Gibson) captured the best dialogue and the steamy atmosphere with apparent ease. Destined to be a classic, YLD is a story that takes hold and stays with you a long time. De rigeur reading for the expats of Indonesia, but also a great book to have along if traveling in Indonesia (the twenty year ban on this book has been lifted by the government, so you can bring it in legally now)!

The story centers on the lives of foreign journalists living in Indonesia during 1965, when the communists are trying to take over Indonesia. Against this tumultous background, a young Australian reporter, Guy Hamilton, is sent on his first assignment, and tries to make his way through the cut-throat world of breaking news and ratings. The writing is excellent; the story fantastic. A true character study covering a young man's ambition, and the attempts of a brilliant and devoted friend, Billy Kwan, a dwarf and cameraman, to enlighten him, to open his eyes to the true stories of poverty, suffering, and even love. This is one of my favorite movies, directed by legendary Peter Weir, and the movie pretty much follows the book. Weir made some excellent changes: having Billy Kwan's character narrate the story (as opposed to a fellow journalist), as Kwan is the central and most interesting person in the saga, and dramatically changing Jill Bryant's character (Guy Hamilton/Mel Gibson's romantic interest) from a beautiful but ditzy blond who laughs a lot and doesn't have much to say, who is having a romance with her boss who is twice her age and gets pregnant by Guy Hamilton (thus his incentive to marry her)... to the incredibly competent, sultry and mature Sigourney Weaver, who has done none of these things and is a riveting object for Hamilton's affection and intellect. The passion between Weaver and Gibson on screen is fiery; this doesn't come across in the book. Still, a great read; a fabulous story of characters, friendship, love, and suffering of the masses. Read my review on the movie for more critique.

I’d read this book years ago when I was working in Jakarta. Reading it again is an exercise in exotic memories. I could smell the heated richness and desperation of its poor. The fetid canals, the sate, the clove cigarettes mixed with frangipani and dust. The sounds of the gamelan and the wuick

I have seen this movie at least 10 times over the years. I served as a military policeman in Saigon, Vietnam during the war, and the film reminds me so much of that place. The writing is excellent and the book fills in many of the voids that the movie couldn’t possibly have included. Highly recommended.

All a bit heavy going without really getting anywhere. To much of a focus on journalists not enough on the real history of the time.

It is obvious the author spent a good deal of time in Indonesia and is a professional writer. The characters are well-rounded, the city of Jakarta is described in good detail, and the author understands the human mind and all of its conditions as if he is a psychologist or has simply lived a very experience-laden life. The novel weakens towards the end but I was still really entertained. If you want to read another wonderful fiction/thriller that takes place in an exotic Asian locale with interesting characters, read The Opportunists by Yohann de Silva. Here's the link: The Opportunists: A Novel

I loved the film, and so decided to buy the book (I didn't even know it was derived from a book). This is a great piece of writing!

This book is an excellent story that captures a segment of Indonesian history. The characters are well developed. The tension and atmosphere are described so well you actually experience the climate and political tension. I love stories that take you places that perhaps you would never experience and this story does that. Although it is historical fiction, it is also about people their emotions and lives during a time of turmoil. After reading the book, I bought the movie and enjoyed it as much as the book. Linda Hunt won an academy award for her role as a man in the movie.

This is an wonderful story of political intrigue as seen and told by the the Australian newspaper correspondent, Guy Hamilton and his side kick photographer, Billy. Awe-inspiring, intriguing, and dramatic with some amazing characters, all closely linked. A story that takes you with it. Christopher Koch is a superb writer and his characterisation is unsurpassed.

An interesting perspective on political change, culture and journalism in Indonesia during the end of the Sukarno regime.

CJ Koch deserves wider recognition. Both this and Highways to a War are stunning accounts of international events with a cast of highly credible characters. Recommended.

Book very cheap(0,01£) .I received it in good condition and in due time. I am fully satisfied.

Stimulating and moving.