As for the progress of the novel concept, did I tell you that I'm thinking to have Yanneke and Reksodirdjo married to each other. One out of pity, one out of need to survive. But to stress more on the subjects in the novel, the background subjects, I will give more details regarding this. What people love to experience when reading the novel? It should be the feeling of being in Batavia. How was the wind in Weltevreden? How was the tram system that cut through the heart of Batavia? Tanjung Priok? Meester Cornelis? Lastly, the intricacies of the gossips spoken among the household in Nassau Boulevard and Gondangdia.
Here's are the list possible to be put in the novel:
- The arrival of Yanneke and her family in Tanjung Priok port. How was the tide and current? Was there any blockade for the health inspection? How stiff was the Dutch East Indies policemen in regard to the immigration? What is the look and the structure of the port?
- Inside Hotel des Indes at Weltevreden. How was their ballroom (it will also help the look of the scene in the film) look like? How was the room being organized? Was there any specific suite?
- The social club like Harmonie or Concordia, their requirement, their snobbishness.
- To walk along the main boulevard in Batavia, how did the wind goes? What did they see when Batavian woke up in the morning and peering southward?
- How did you pay for the necessities in Batavia? Your Leisure?
- Decca Park, its detail and what was its activities during the Sunday after the mass from the Cathedral?
- The seaside: Pasar Ikan or Tanjung Priok?
In addition, there should be a secret rendezvous for Reksodirdjo and Yanneke somewhere near the seaside.
Hmmm, I will miss New York and its individualism....:)
