Romansa Stovia is the third novel written Sania Rasyid and published by Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia (KPG) in Jakarta in May 2024. This novel tells of four best friends with a different backgrounds, they are Yansen Alexander de Vries Maramis from Manado, Sudiro from Purworejo, Hilman Daifullah Ardiwinata from Bandung, and Sutan Arsan Chairil Armahedi Mazhar Rangkayo Mudo from Padang. Their story began when they became best friends in the dorm and at school. From ups and downs of their romantic journey to the future that awaits them as doctors.
This novel set in the 20th century, specifically beginning in 1918, when Yansen forced to leave his family and the girl he loves, Tan Yun Fei, a girl of Chinese descent, to attend STOVIA and meets the other three characters who play crucial roles in the story. In the Romansa Stovia novel, Yansen must choose between love, friendship, and his future as a doctor. So, which path he will choose?
This historical fiction novel immerses readers into a story of friendship and romance filled with surprising plot twists. The author manages to blend fiction and historical facts without letting the readers get bored.
The writing style of this author, who was born on Jakarta, September 21, 1980, is light, easy to understand, and suitable for all generations. The author also includes foreign languages, historical references, and footnote to help readers understand the intended context.
A novel contains value, both implicit and explicit. This 353-page novel spread the importance of friendship, tolerance, and hard work in achieving dreams. Proven by the main characters who are able to mesmerize the readers.
The strong Dutch East Indies ambiance in this novel creates a distinctive atmosphere, though there are weakness and includes conflict in it. Some of the conflicts in the story are solved suddenly without in-depth explanation. The plot is also considered inconsistent, some parts of the plot move too slow or too quickly, causing readers to lose focus.
“Don’t let go what’s in front of you. If you study halfheartedly, the flower will never bloom. Study sincerely, don’t do it halfheartedly.” – Sutan Arsan Chairil Armahedi Mazhar Rangkayo Mudo, Romansa Stovia novel.
So, are you interested in joining Yansen and his friends on their journey through Batavia and Buitenzorg?