Indonesian Gold

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Summary: The gold scam that stunned the world
Review: "Indonesian Gold"

The inspiration for this novel was based on events surrounding the infamous, billion-dollar BRE-X gold fraud, and the determined few who recklessly destroyed so many lives and severely impacted on local cultures with their all-consuming quest for gold, in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo.

When Canadian miner, Borneo Gold Corporation announces the discovery of gold reserves in excess of twenty million ounces, pundits drive the worthless stock to giddying heights as the rich and powerful in three countries move to secure control over the deposit. Traditional Dayak (Borneo head-hunters) are forced off traditional lands, precipitating ethnic blood feuds as exploration practices destroy pristine forests and pollute the environment.

"Indonesian Gold" brings a depth of description to the Borneo tribes who revert to their head-hunting ways as they resist the flood of Moslem migrants from the poorer, Indonesian islands, and reveals the extent of devastation visited upon indigenous peoples by multinational, mining companies.

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic read by an Asian expert!
Review: In his most ambitious novel to date, Kerry Collison again taps his intimate knowledge of Indonesia and Southeast Asia to deliver an outstanding novel about the BRE-X gold scandal that was in the headlines a few years ago. Intrigue, double-dealing, strong characters, high finance, environmental devestation, head-hunting; what more could you ask for?

As always, Collison renders an authoritative and sympathetic vision of the Indonesian people, while taking Indonesia's rulers to task for their greed, corruption, and amorality. This is where his long experience in the country pays off because he knows Indonesia and its people as well as any author, and he is the only person to write about this multi-ethnic collage from the standpoint of direct knowledge.

Every one of Collison's books is a gripping read; this is simply his best to date. To give you an idea of how good it was, consider this - I read all 600+ pages in three sittings because I just couldn't put it down.