Avengers: Endgame

"If I tell you what happens, it won't happen." - Dr. Strange.

Image: People

Title: Avengers: Endgame
Genre: Fantasy, Science-fiction
Series: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Screenplay: Christoper Marcus and Stephen McFeely
Stars: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson, Danai Gurira, and others.
Ticket: IDR 45.000.00 at Cinemaxx Depok Town Square

Based on The Avengers by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe.

***

Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the longest super hero series that does exist in Hollywood. Even though those series is very popular and most of my friends are following this series, I ain't part of them. I am not a big fan of super hero movie, to be honest. I don't really interest with this kind of genre.

Then, one day, one of my friend invite me to watch this movie along with our others friend. She invited me to watch Avengers: Endgame - the latest movie from MCU. At first, I feel a little bit hesitate to watch, but since I have a spare time and need some refreshment, I decided to agree and help her to order the tickets. 

Actually, from all off 22 movies, I only - literally watch - two of them, which are Dr. Strange and Black Panther. So, honestly, I don't have any idea how to interpret Avengers: Endgame because I didn't follow the previous movies - that exactly related to this movie, such as Avenger: Infinity War.

When the movie begin, I have to admit that I am clueless. I don't know how the story goes on and who is the important character there. But, seems like Marvel still can captivate me because, as the movie goes on, I started to understand the whole story. Even though I still raised my eyebrow sometimes - because I didn't recognized the character - but after all, I can enjoy the movie.

The story begins with the remaining Avenger - Bruce Banners (Mark Ruffalo), Steven Rogers (Chris Evans), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Natasha Romanov (Scarlet Johansson), and James Rhodes  (Don Cheadle) - went to where Thanos living in seclusion. They intend to retake the infinity stone to reverse what Thanos did. Unfortunately, Thanos has been destroyed all of the stone to prevent further use. After that, Thor couldn't manage his anger and suddenly beheaded Thanos.

Five years later, some miracle happen. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has succeeded escapes from the quantum realm. Then, Lang got an idea to travel back in time and stopping Thanos in the past. Even though there is some reluctance from Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) to build the time machine, but after he talked with his wife, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), he finally agree to help build the time machine. 

All of the Avengers agree to take the infinity stone in the past and try to undo what Thanos did in the future. Banners, Rogers, Lang, and Stark went to New York City in 2012. They intended to take the Time Stone, Mind Stone, and also the Space Stone. Then, Rocket and Thor travel to Asgard in 2013. They tried to retrieve the Reality stone from Jane Foster. Nebula and Rhodes travel to Morag in 2014. They tried to steal the Power Stone before Peter Quill can. Last, Barton and Romanoff went to Vormir and tried to get to Soul Stone.

Avengers: Endgame. (image: Visual Cocain, edited by me)

Well, just like another movie, their first step was going really smooth. But, until Nebula (Karen Gillan) got some connection with her past self. This connection at the end, make Thanos knows about what the future would be and the temptation from the Avengers to undo his action in the future. In the result, the future Nebula is trapped in the past and the past Nebula disguise as her future self and try to broke the Avenger's plan.

To be honest, I like the way Marvel execute this movie. With the more or less three hours duration, I think this movie is kind of worth it. I could feel the thrilling scene, the funny part - especially about Thor, and also their frustration when everything couldn't goes pretty well. I like the movie as a whole - and make me curious about the previous movie.

But, maybe, about the time travel itself, I still couldn't understand, how can the future and the past Nebula could meet? I think, it's just impossible. Even though there's some explanations that will be another different concept of time, still, I think the past could affecting the present, and then the future. So, most likely it would be possible if the past Nebula can meet the Future Nebula.

Then, although I didn't following the movies from the very start, it still feel very heart-breaking when Tony Stark couldn't make it until the end. He deserves all of the greatness after all. Well, he is someone who will care other first rather than himself. 

So, if anyone ask me, do you now interest to watch the other MCU movies? I would like to say, "Yes, I do!". Maybe it's so damn too late to watch it, but I think it doesn't mater after all.

How about you, guys? Are you the MCU fans? Well, maybe we can discuss about this universe together.

Sincerely,

Puji P. Rahayu

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl since January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

***

It's been a long time since I do blog walking. Then, I realized that my favorite book meme, the so-called Top Ten Tuesday has been hosted by another blogger. I knew about Top Ten Tuesday when I read one of article that written by my favorite blogger, Mas Ijul from fiksimetropop.com. Since then, I started to curious with this book meme and eager to join. But, since all of you know that I got blogging slumps, I rarely write this book meme again. That's why, I've just known that since January 2018, the host of book meme is changed. So, this is my first book meme after spending much time to break from blogging.

So, this week topic is about top ten inspirational & thought-provoking quotes from book. I have to admit that this topic is kinda hard to define. I have a lot of favorite quotes, but, maybe I can share some of it with you.

1. "Sudah merupakan kebiasannya untuk menghukum seseorang dengan mengambil sesuatu yang berharga bagi orang tersebut, sehingga pesan yang ingin disampaikannya mengena." - Kent.

"It is his habit to punish someone with taking the precious thing of them, so, the message that he want to send is indeed received."

Eiffel, Tolong! - Clio Freya.

2. "Tapi bagaimana aku bisa menyembahMu kalau kita memang tidak pernah kenal?" 

"But how I can admire You If I never know You from the very start?"

Entrok - Okky Madasari.

3. "Hiduplah untuk setiap detiknya. Bila dalam detik ini hidup tidak berpihak padamu, percayalah pada detik berikutnya hidup akan menjadi lebih baik."

"Just live for every second. If in this second life is not take a side on you, just believe that in the next second, life will be better."

From Paris to Eternity - Clio Freya.

4. 'Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear the thing itself.' - Dumbledore.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling.

5. "Aku tak ingin berakhir seperti mereka, saling mencintai. Lantas kehilangan dan kini mereka hanya mengenang dan merenung dari jauh."

"I don't want to be like them. Falling in love each other, then losing each other, and now, they only can remember and think from afar."

Pulang - Leila S. Chudori.

6. I'm tired of feeling things that I should never feel. I'm tired of hoping things that I should never hope. I'm tired of loving the one I should never love. I'm tired of missing the one I should never miss. I'm tired of being tiredly tired to feel tired of something so tiring.

Stories of Rainy Days Volume I - Naela Ali.

7. Dan hati yang hancur terkadang mengobati diri dengan asal-asalan.

"And the broken heart, they heal themselves in a crooked and lopsided way."

Kate Dicamillo dalam Love Theft - Prisca Primasari.

8. Matilah engkau mati
Kau akan lahir berkali-kali

Laut Bercerita - Leila S. Chudori

9. Kalau kamu enggak bisa tertawa berulang-ulang untuk hal yang sama, lalu mengapa kamu terus menangis berulang-ulang untuk masalah yang sama?

"If you can't laugh repeatedly for the same thing, so why you still crying for the same trouble repeatedly?"

Fly to the Sky - Nina Ardianti dan Moemoe Rizal

10. To forget a friend is sad. Not every one has had a friend. And if I forget him, I may become like the grown-ups who no longer interested in anything but figures...

Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Well, that's all from me. Hope we can meet in another post of TTT.

Sincerely,

Ra

Bumi Manusia

"Kau harus berterimakasih pada segala yang memberimu kehidupan." - Nyai Ontosoroh.

4 dari 5 bintang

Image: Goodreads

Judul buku: Bumi Manusia

Genre: Fiksi sejarah

Seri: Tetralogi Pulau Buru

Penulis: Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Penerbit: Lentera Dipantara

Tebal buku: 535 halaman

Tahun terbit: Oktober 2010, cetakan 16

ISBN: 979-97312-3-2

Pinjam dari Mbak Rina Noviyanti

Roman Tetralogi Buru mengambil latar belakang dan cikal bakal nation Indonesia di awal abad ke-20. Dengan membacanya waktu kita dibalikkan sedemikian rupa dan hidup di era membibitnya pergerakan nasional mula-mula, juga pertautan rasa, kegamangan jiwa, percintaan, dan pertarungan kekuatan anonim para srikandi yang mengawal penyemaian bangunan nasional yang kemudian kelak melahirkan Indonesia modern.

Roman bagian pertama; Bumi Manusia, sebagai periode penyemaian dan kegelisahan dimana Minke sebagai aktor sekaligus kreator adalah manusia berdarah priyayi yang semampu mungkin keluar dari kepompong kejawaannya menuju manusia yang bebas dan merdeka, di sudut lain membelah jiwa ke-Eropa-an yang menjadi simbol dan kiblat dari ketinggian pengetahuan dan peradaban.

Pram menggambarkan sebuah adegan antara Minke dengan ayahnya yang sangat sentimentil: Aku mengangkat sembah sebagaimana biasa aku lihat dilakukan punggawa terhadap kakekku dan nenekku dan orangtuaku, waktu lebaran. Dan yang sekarang tak juga kuturunkan sebelum Bupati itu duduk enak di tempatnya. Dalam mengangkat sembah serasa hilang seluruh ilmu dan pengetahuan yang kupelajari tahun demi tahun belakangan ini. Hilang indahnya dunia sebagaimana dijanjikan oleh kemajuan ilmu .... Sembah pengagungan pada leluhur dan pembesar melalui perendahan dan penghinaan diri! Sampai sedatar tanah kalau mungkin! Uh, anak-cucuku tak kurelakan menjalani kehinaan ini.

"Kita kalah, Ma," bisikku. 

"Kita telah melawan, Nak, Nyo, sebaik-baiknya, sehormat-hormatnya." 

***

Ada yang pernah berkata pada saya, "seharusnya kamu membaca tetralogi Pram ketika kamu masih kuliah." Saya hanya tersenyum ketika mendengarnya dan saya memang sedikit menyesal baru bisa membaca salah satu karya luar biasa dari penulis yang satu ini sekarang.

"Berbahagialah dia yang makan dari keringatnya sendiri bersuka karena usahanya sendiri dan maju karena pengalamannya sendiri." - Nyai Ontosoroh.

Bagaimana tidak, kontroversi mengenai buku ini pun diketahui oleh siapa saja. Bagaimana buku ini dilarang diedarkan pada zaman orde baru. Bagaimana kemudian Pram pun ditangkap dan dibuang ke Pulau Buru.

Adalah Minke, seorang pemuda yang tinggal di Surabaya dan bersekolah di HBS. Ia sangatlah menghargai sastra dan terkadang tulisannya pun dimuat di harian lokal. Setidaknya, dari situlah Ia mendapatkan penghasilan, selain dari upayanya membantu memasarkan lukisan-lukisan yang dibikin oleh Jean Marais, seorang pelukis asal Perancis yang pernah bersekolah di Sorbonne.

"Cinta itu indah, Minke, terlalu indah, yang bisa didapatkan dalam hidup manusia yang pendek ini." - Jean Marais.

"Cinta itu indah, Minke, juga kebinasaan yang mungkin membuntutinya. Orang harus berani menghadapi akibatnya." - Jean Marais.

Suatu ketika, Minke berkesempatan untuk mampir ke Boerderij Buitenzorg, sebuah perusahaan Belanda yang dikelola oleh seorang Nyai bernama Nyai Ontosoroh alias Sanikem. Semenjak kunjungannya tersebut, pada akhirnya Minke pun terlibat dengan berbagai kisah, mulai dari tinggal di Buitenzorg, hingga menikah dari putri Nyai Ontosoroh, Annelies.

Kalau ditanya apa reaksi saya ketika membaca novel ini, jujur saya bingung mau berkomentar seperti apa. Meskipun terasa sederhana, pada dasarnya kisah dalam novel ini memang terasa sangat penuh dan complicated. Ini bukan sekadar tentang kisah romansa antara Minke dan Annelies, tapi juga bagaimana kehidupan yang dapat terjadi di era penjajahan tersebut.

Era saat terdapat strata sosial yang terbentuk, mulai dari orang kulit putih, orang kulit berwarna, dan juga pribumi--tentu saya masih ingat permasalahan soal penggunaan terminologi pribumi beberapa tahun lalu. Nah, inilah yang kemudian dapat terungkap. Bagaimana seorang Minke memberontak karena status yang ia miliki.

Sedangkan Nyai Ontosoroh.. harus saya akui menjadi tokoh favorit saya dalam novel ini. Seorang perempuan jawa yang mau mendobrak tradisi dan berhasil "memerdekakan" dirinya sendiri. Saya bangga bias menemukan sosok seperti Nyai Ontosoroh.

"Kita kalah, Ma." 

"Kita telah melawan, Nak, Nyo, sebaik-baiknya, sehormat-hormatnya." - Minke dan Nyai Ontosoroh.

Pada dasarnya, saya tahu ada banyak hal yang bias diambil dari novel ini. Mungkin, di kesempatan lain, saya bisa menambahkannya.

Yang pasti, 4 bintang untuk karya pertama Pram ini.

Sincerely,

Puji P. Rahayu

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

"I can't move against Grindelwald. It has to be you." - Albus Sumbledore.

Image credit: imdb.com

Title: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Genre: Adventure, family, fantasy

Series: Fantastic Beasts

Director: David Yates

Screenplay: J.K. Rowling

Producers: J.K. Rowling, David Heyman, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram

Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterstone, Dan Fogler, Jude Law, Johny Depp, and other.

Ticket: IDR 40,000 at CGV Depok Town Square.

Based on Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling (2018).

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald's plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

***

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the second movie from Fantastic Beast Series. It's released two years after the first movie. Me as a Potterhead, have waited this movie. Despite all of the negative comments that appeared, I still want to know more about Newt's adventure in Paris--a city that I want to go to. After I watched this movie, I got a mixed feeling. I do love the journey, but I can sense a lot of plot hole here. So sad.

Psst. There will be spoiler, here--maybe. You've been warned.

This movie opened with a prison's condition where Gellert Grindelwald (Johny Depp) was arrested since the end of the first movie. He is described as a cunning and powerful wizard after all. With his magnificent magic ability, Grindelwald is succeed to runaway from MACUSA's (Magical Congress of the United States) custody when he supposed to be moved to another prison. After that, Grindelwald goes to Paris to start his plan that will affect wizarding and non-wizarding world.

Grindelwald and his followers.
image credit: indieWire.com

On the other side, there is Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) who is struggle to get his international travel permit back. He must assure  the ministry of magic's member that he is worth that permit after what he did in the United States. Well, Newt is being Newt, tho. He is failed to assure them and make Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner)--Newt's brother--only can warn what Ministry of Magic will do to Newt. Well, the reason why Newt is failed to get his international travel permit is, he rejects Ministry of Magic's request to go to Paris and find Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller).

When he came back to his home, Newt got unpredictable guest. They are Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and Quennie Goldstein (Alison Sudol). The purpose of their arrival is to tell Newt about their wedding plan. But, some misunderstanding happened between Jacob and Quennie and made Quinnie leave Jacob to find her sister, Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterstone) in Paris. Hearing that Tina is in Paris, Newt has decided to go to Paris to meet Tina. After all, Newt still has a feeling for her. 

Then, what will Newt meet at Paris? Is there any relations with Grindelwald's plan? Psst. Actually, Newt got a personal request too from our beloved professor in Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). So, watch the movies and find the story.

Albus Dumbledore (left) is assured Newt Scamander (right) to go to Paris and find Credence.
Image credit: youtube.com

"Do you know why I admire you, Newt? You do not seek power. You simply ask, 'Is a thing... right?'" -- Albus Dumbledore.

***

Okay, let's start the review. Fyuuh. Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.

To be honest, just like I said before, I got a mixed feeling after watch this movie. As a Potterhead, I want to like this movie. Moreover, this is one my wishlist movie to watch, but, I feel a little bit disappointed with the plot hole. Well, I know that this series intended to be 9 movie, if I remember correctly. So, I'm a little bit understand if there's some untold story in this movie. But, I think, there are a lot if scene that.. hmm.. jumping. I mean, I got some uncomfortable feeling when I saw a fast-changing-scene. Until, I questioned why the story suddenly to be like "this". I feel sad about that jumping scene.

Credence Barebone and Nagini
Image credit: inverse.com

Then, it's about effect that used in the entire movie. I have to admit that David Yates has been succeed to make a fascinating effect. The fantastic creatures looks so real.. but, I don't like the light effect in the beginning of the movie--when Grindelwald running away from MACUSA. Too fast and make me dizzy to some extend. Well, it's my opinion, tho. But, overall, I satisfied with what David Yates did to Fantastic Beasts.

Despite all of the controversy about Nagini (Claudia Kim), I think that snake-woman is fit with her. Even thought, I am more questioning why Nagini suddenly appear here? I think there's no urgent matter to make Nagini's appearance in this movie. I didn't see a critical role from her. Well, so did with Nicholas Flamel's appearance. I am surprised when I realized that Dumbledore's acquaintance is Flamel. Hmm, i feel like Rowling try to add so many character here but there's no major role from them. So, I am confused with the main story. Sigh.

Tina Goldstein and Newt Scamander in the Paris Ministry of Magic.
Image credit: denofgeek.com

Like everyone said, there's always be the bright side from the story. I mean, i feel entertained when Newt is trying to praise Tina with his "salamander" word. Lol. I laugh a lot. Can't help it, tho. Cause, it's really funny. Then, I like when the young Grindelwald is played by Jamie Campbell Bower. I never thought that he will appeared again in this movie. Well, Jamie is a minor role in the Harry Potter 7 part 2. 

Wait, I forget to mention Leta Lestrange (Zoë Kravitz) here. She is the first love of Newt. She is described as an independent and smart woman. Well, I know that she is part of Black family--remember Bellatrix Lestrange, right? But, she is the definition of a brave woman and.. in my assumption still love to Newt even though she is being Theseus' wife. I never thought that her life would be really suffering like that. Well, she is one of my favorite here.

"You're to good, Newt. You never met a monster you couldn't love." -- Leta Lestrange.

In conclusion, I like some part of this movie. I still do love the magical world. It's literally satisfy what Potterhead wants for Harry Potter franchise. But, sadly, there are so many plot holes that's bugging me in the entire me. Well, will I watch the next movie? I will say, yes I will. Cause, deep down there, I still Potterhead after all.

7 out of 10 stars for Niffler--eugh, he is so cute.

Sincereley,

Puji P. Rahayu

Represi

"Kita semua nggak tahu rasanya jatuh cinta dan sakit sebelum mengalaminya sendiri, Anna." - Nabila.

oleh Fakhrisina Amalia

3 dari 5 bintang

Image credit: goodreads

Judul : Represi

Penulis : Fakhrisina Amalia

Genre : Young Adult

Editor : Tri Saputri Sakti

Proofreader : Tisya Rahmanti

Ilustrasi sampul : Orkha Creative

Tahun terbit : 2018

Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Tebal buku : 264 halaman

ISBN : 9786020611945

Awalnya hidup Anna berjalan baik-baik saja.

Meski tidak terlalu dekat dengan ayahnya, gadis itu punya seorang ibu dan para sahabat yang setia. Sejak SMA, para sahabatnya yang mendampingi Anna, memahami gadis itu melebihi dirinya sendiri.

Namun, keadaan berubah ketika Anna mulai menjauh dari para sahabatnya. Bukan hanya itu, hubungan Anna dengan ibunya pun memburuk. Anna semakin hari menjadi sosok yang semakin asing. Tidak ada yang tahu apa yang terjadi pada Anna, hingga pada suatu hari, dia memutuskan untuk mengakhiri hidupnya yang ternyata penuh luka.

Info lebih lanjut dapat dibaca di:

Goodreads 

Represi. Awalnya, saya tidak berekspektasi apa-apa terhadap novel yang satu ini. Pertama kali menemukan novel ini di Gramedi Digital, saya berharap bisa menemukan bacaan ringan. Toh, saya memang sedang mengalami reading slumps kala itu. Ternyata, apa yang saya temukan, tidak seperti dugaan saya di awal. Novel ini cukup kompleks dan tidak seringan yang saya kira.

Apakah kamu pernah merasakan keinginan untuk mati? Keinginan untuk mengakhiri hidupmu karena kamu merasa sudah tidak berguna lagi?

Anna baru saja pulih dari percobaan bunuh diri yang ia lakukan. Meskipun begitu, Anna tahu bahwa dirinya masih tidak baik-baik saja. Dia belum terbiasa untuk menjalani hidupnya kembali. Bagaimanapun, Anna merasa dirinya adalah sosok yang telah tidak berguna. 

Image credit: pixabay, edited by me

Pada mulanya, Anna adalah gadis yang biasa-biasa saja. Dalam artian, dia memang bukan gadis populer, tapi Anna punya empat sahabat yang selalu mendengarkan dirinya. Saka, Ouji, Nika, dan Hani. Keempat sahabat Anna tersebut selalu mendukung seluruh keputusan Anna. Bahkan, Saka adalah salah satu sahabat Anna yang sangat peduli pada Anna. Saka pernah memberi Anna seekor kucing yang dinamai Serafina. Hewan berkaki empat itu menjadi hewan kesayangan Anna. Saka selalu membantu Anna dalam merawat Serafina.

"Bersahabat tidak berarti harus selalu bertemu dan menghabiskan waktu bersama. Kadang-kadang bersahabat adalah tentang saling menjaga dan mendukung ketika jauh. Bersahabat adalah tentang tetap bisa bertemu tanpa canggung dan seperti tidak pernah berjauhan. Bersahabat itu soal hati, bukan soal fisik." Anna.

Sampai kemudian, munculah Sky. Teman basket pacar Nika yang menyedot seluruh perhatian Anna. Cowok itu berhasil membuat Anna benar-benar terfokus padanya. Seolah-olah, hidup dan mati Anna berpusat pada sosok Sky. Sejak saat itulah, dunia Anna berubah. Bahkan, seratus delapan puluh derajat. Anna semakin sering absen ketika ada kumpul-kumpul bersama sahabatnya. Bahkan, Anna juga berbohong kepada ibunya--hal yang sebelumnya tidak pernah Anna lakukan. Apa yang sebenarnya terjadi? Lalu, mengapa sekarang Anna begitu trauma akan nama Sky di telinganya?

"Kita semua nggak tahu rasanya jatuh cinta dan sakit sebelum mengalaminya sendiri, Anna." Nabila.

***

Novel ini menceritakan kehidupan Anna pasca percobaan bunuh diri yang ia lakukan. Menggunakan alur flashback, penulis mencoba untuk mengungkap kehidupan Anna jauh sebelum peristiwa itu terjadi. Jujur saja, saya cukup terkejut dengan bongkahan es yang disembunyikan Anna dari teman-teman terdekatnya. Saya memang bisa menduga ada hal buruk yang terjadi di antara Sky dan Anna, tapi saya tidak menyangka akan ada hal lain yang terungkap selain kejadian tersebut.

Kenapa dia tidak boleh menangis? Kenapa dia harus kuat untuk bisa menjadi anak Ibu dan Ayah? Kenapa tidak pernah sekali saja orangtuanya menerima tangisannya tanpa mengatakan apa pun jika mereka tidak bisa memberikan kalimat penghiburan yang lebih baik? -Anna.

Saya tahu, saya memang tidak pernah merasakan dorongan kuat untuk bunuh diri seperti yang Anna rasakan, akan tetapi, saya tahu orang lain pasti pernah merasakannya. Perasaan bahwa kita tidak bisa apa-apa. Bahwa kita tidak lagi berguna karena kejadian-kejadian traumatis di masa lalu. Pastinya, hal tersebut tidaklah mudah. Oh, ayolah. Sebuah keinginan untuk melupakan seseorang di masa lalu saja sulit untuk dilakukan, bagaimana dengan melupakan kejadian traumatis yang terus terbayang?

"Hubungan dua orang nggak cuma tentang menyenangkan hati orang lain tanpa memedulikan diri sendiri." - Saka.

"Luka yang nggak dibagi, sampai kapan pun, nggak akan pernah bisa dimengerti." - Nabila. 

Jujur, saya agak sedikit bosan ketika membaca Represi. Meskipun, saya penasaran dengan apa yang sebenarnya terjadi dengan Anna. Mungkin, karena saya belum punya mood membaca yang begitu baik. Alhasil, demikianlah jadinya. Akan tetapi, saya menyukai ide yang Fakhrisina bawa. Saya rasa, membahas mental health dalam novel young adult bukanlah pekerjaan yang mudah. Bagaimanapun, Fakhrisina harus mencoba untuk mengupas isu ini dalam bahasa yang sesuai dengan para pembaca.

Kalau ditanya siapa tokoh yang sukai, saya akan menjawab itu adalah Nabila. Psikolog yang membantu kesembuhan Anna. Sosok yang begitu tenang dan bisa memahami pasiennya. Yes, I know that's her duty, but, she's just a wise person after all. Untuk tokoh Anna sendiri, saya punya love-hate feeling terhadapnya. Saya kadang kesal ketika membaca kisah masa lalu Anna dan Sky. Anna ini terlalu penurut dan Sky, well, he is a bastard. Enough said. Cukup menyebalkan tentunya ketika membaca tentang hubungan yang toxic seperti itu.

"Jangan terlalu keras sama diri kamu sendiri. Kecemasan adalah sesuatu yang membuat dirimu bekerja keras dan menderita dua kali lipat." - Nabila.

Dengan segala kekompleksannya, saya rasa, novel ini patut dibaca. Apalagi kalau kamu mencoba mencari bacaan yang berhubungan dengan mental health. Novel ini tentunya dapat menjadi pilihan yang pas.

3 bintang untuk Serafina, kucing Anna yang sangat lucu dan menggemaskan.

Sincerely, 

Puji P. Rahayu