Letters of a Javanese Princess

"Letters of a Javanese Princess" by Raden Adjeng Kartini is a compilation of intimate letters from the 1800s, where Kartini, a regent's daughter, uses her strong voice to fight for personal freedom, education, and rights for women while battling old traditions and colonial power. The text shows her challenges faced by women in Java and offers an early feminist view from the East. At the beginning, Kartini passionately shares her deep wish to break free from society and long-held traditions. Being the oldest daughter of an important family, she feels stuck in rules that limit what women can learn and do. Displaying a strong will, she thinks about going to school and teaching, especially girls, as she deals with the idea of an arranged marriage. The emotional and moving tone of her letters lets readers see the inner battle between her love for her family and her desire to be her own person, revealing the sincere feelings of a brave pioneer in Java.