Seabird

Gr 4 Up– Female empowerment and social stratification are clearly messaged in this historical fiction novel. Raden Adjeng Kartini is a fictionalized representation of a real person who made a name for herself in what was then known as the Dutch East Indies. The story takes place between the years 1892 and 1895 when Kartini is 12 and begins her seclusion, or Raden Ayu, from the outside world until a husband is found for her. Born to Javanese royalty, Kartini is allowed to attend school until the age of 12. Being secluded at home, away from learning and from her dear Dutch friend Lesty, nearly suffocates Kartini. While in seclusion, Kartini writes and reads a lot but wishes for freedom, like a seabird, rather than a caged bird. Told in first person, Kartini’s story is one of resilience and perseverance as she endures the long days at home by writing letters to her brother and friend both away at school in Holland. It is through this writing that Kartini finds solace and eventually her freedom with the help of many important people in her life. Final pages of the book provide further details about the real Kartini and her important place in Javanese history.