Book Review: Night Talks Before Go to Sleep

Night Talks Before Go to Sleep is a romance novel by Bagas Ali Prasetyo with a linear plot. The story is about Farah Amartya, a high school student who writes poems anonymously and secretly likes Raden Bara Antasena, a popular student who is smart and handsome.

Book cover from: https://tirtabuanamedia.co.id/shop/buku-fiksi-dan-sastra/night-talks-before-go-to-sleep/

Conflict arises when her poem was accidentally sent to Bara until they engage in secret messaging. The relationship is tested when Bara lost his memory, along with his memory with Farah. The presence of Alan at the end of the story forces Farah to choose whether to hold on to past or open her heart for something new.

Farah Amartya is described as a creative and emotional character who expresses her love through poems, and learns to be strong when facing loss. Raden Bara Antasena, a charismatic and smart school idol is actually a vulnerable person and becomes the source of conflicts because he lost his memory.

Alan presents in the story as someone who is brave and honest in expressing his feelings. He becomes the antithesis of Bara as well as the giver of hope for Farah.

This novel teaches that love is not only about feelings, but also about bravery, honesty and acceptance. Every character shows that love always comes with wounds and choices, but they all are a part of maturity.

This novel is recommended for people who have high expectation in a love story. The story is so close to reality, filled with emotion, and will make you feel like you are experiencing love, lost, and having the courage to choose. (MEI)