Stories of the Islands

Journey into a land of magic and powerful women based on Indonesian folk tale, lushly reimagined by a debut graphic novelist. Once upon a time. . .

A princess was cursed to live as a snail,

Two sisters were trapped by their father's wrath,

And a mother and daughter faced a hungry giant. No one is coming to save them.

Will they get their happily ever after? In Stories of the Islands, debut graphic novelist Clar Angkasa takes three folk tales from her childhood in Indonesia and gives them back to the girl characters, following their hopes, dreams, and journeys for freedom from natural and unnatural forces. Why should women in folk tales be sidelined or reduced to tropes? What if we tell their stories, instead? Gorgeously illustrated with a dedicated color palette for each tale, this collected retelling of "Keong Mas," "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih," and "Timun Mas" combines fresh fantasy with a meditation on the power of solidarity and care. Filled with deep emotion, spectacular settings, and a mix of panel art and full dramatic spreads, Stories of the Islands is a bright reimagining of familiar stories for a new generation.