The conversation in this book deals with the impact of modern life on Balinese society over the past 50 years. Eric Buvelot, journalist and 13 years' editor of La Gazette de Bali, interviews Jean Couteau, an observer of Bali for over 40 years, author of many books, and national columnist for Kompas. They discuss changes from sexual behavior to religious practices, the engagement of Balinese with foreigners and other Indonesians, issues of tolerance, violence, economy, spirituality, cultural evolution, and the shift of mentality from myth to rational thinking. First published in French, this book was translated by Diana Darling, author of The Painted Alphabet, a classic novel of Bali.
Bali: 50 Years is an exceptional book readable by all and dealing with the impact of fifty years of deep changes on Balinese society, culture, life and psyche. Jean Couteau, interviewed by Eric Buvelot, responds brilliantly to this important issue
in a style accessible to all.
- Georges Breguet (Anthropologist, Museum consultant)
Jean, your book with Eric is fascinating. The information is fragmented because of the rapid-fire questions, but the [interview method] enables you to deliver an extraordinary amount of knowledge: you have truly reflected on all aspects of Balinese life.
- Henri Chambert Loir (Prof. Emeritus Ecole Française d'Extrême-Orient)
Go beyond the usual clichés by reading Jean Couteau's in-depth analysis of the tremendous transformations Bali has known these past five decades: society, religion, economy, women's rights, environment... Nothing published so far approaches it. And I love the conversation format: very dynamic.
- Cecile Collineau (Book reviewer, Le Petit Journal Jakarta)
A unique insight into Bali written by two experts who have lived almost all their lives on the Island of the Gods, it will allow you a 360° trip into a society in full transformation, worth reading.
-Eva Peel (Singer & DJ Producer)
