Review by BRIGITTE ROZARIO
The Jugra Chronicles
MIYAH AND THE FOREST DEMON
By Tutu Dutta-Yean
Illustrated by Choong Kwee Kim
Publisher: MPH
Author Tuttu Dutta-Yean is one of my favourite authors for children's stories set in Malaysia. Her book Timeless Tales of Malaysia is one that I love and still sits on my bookshelf as a keeper.
So, it was with excitement that I said yes to reviewing this book. However, unlike her Timeless Tales book, this one is a small book (school textbook size) and with just a few black and white illustrations inside. When I picked it up, I have to say I was disappointed that it was not filled with colourful illustrations and I was worried that I might not like it.
Well, I needn't have feared. Looks aside, the book is enchanting.
The story starts out slow, setting the scene and introducing all the characters one by one, but towards the middle it picks up steam and by the end, you don't want it to end and want to know if there's a followup to this book.
The story is set in Sarawak in the past, when the Dutch had just taken over from the Portuguese in Malacca.
It tells the tale of Nila, the son of Panglima Indera Muda from Tanjungpura, who woos and wins over Endu Dara, the daughter of the tuai rumah in the village of Tapoh.
In the village of Tapoh, there's also Miyah and her family – her father Raseh, the village shaman, her midwife mother Mayang and her little brother Bongsu.
It also tells of Miyah's friend Suru, whose father one day boarded a Chinese jong to return to the country of his origin, leaving his family in Sarawak behind.
Then there is Rigih, Miyah's cousin, who is poor and whom she avoids.
As the local elders learn of some nearby lands being given away to the Sultan of Sulu, they fear for the safety of their families and the village. The men then go to Tanjungpura to conduct trade as well as to agree to Nila's proposal of marriage.
While they are there, Mayang is called on to help deliver a baby.
She leaves Miyah with all the instructions to take care of her baby brother Bongsu.
As Bongsu is still sleeping, Miyah thinks there's time for her to go play with her friends at the stream.
While playing with her friends, it starts to rain although it's a sunny day. The other kids take cover for rain on a sunny day is seen as a bad omen. But Miyah does not.
When she realises it is raining, Miyah runs home to look after Bongsu. She arrives home to find the house empty.
Fearing that her little brother has been taken away by some evil spirit, Miyah enlists the help of Rigih. He goes with Miyah to get help from Sang Kancil and Nenek Kebayan.
It is up to Miyah to overcome any fears she has to go into the forest with Rigih to save her brother.
Tuttu Dutta-Yean is a wonderful storyteller.
There are authors and then there are storytellers. Not all authors are storytellers and fortunately, Dutta-Yean is a very good storyteller. She weaves a story so easily – from setting the background, to introducing all the characters and finally, the drama and the conclusion.
Plus, the story doesn't just focus on Miyah and what happens to her. There are little subplots and interesting incidents happening to the smaller characters that really do make you feel like you're watching a village scene.
My only complaint is that the book ended. I want to know what happens to Miyah next and I hope there is a sequel to this book.
It's a great book for those aged 10 and above. It's a nice introduction to the Sarawakian culture, peoples and customs.
Recommended.