The Duality of Feelings – A Reflection on Recto Verso | A Library

 

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Introduction

Some books are not just meant to be read; they are meant to be felt. Recto Verso by Dee Lestari is one of those rare creations—half book, half music album—that speaks to the heart in a way that transcends words alone. Each story in this collection is paired with a song, creating an immersive experience where music and prose blend seamlessly.

As someone who expresses emotions through different creative forms—writing, public speaking, and even mentoring—Recto Verso struck a deep chord in me. It reminded me of how every feeling has two sides, just like the title suggests: recto and verso, the front and back of a page, the seen and the unseen, the spoken and the unspoken.

Book Details

• Title: Recto Verso
• Author: Dee Lestari
• Genre: Fiction, Short Stories, Poetry, Music Integration
• Year of Publication: 2008

Summary (No Spoilers)

Recto Verso is a collection of 11 short stories, each accompanied by a song. These stories dive into themes of love, loss, longing, and the unspoken emotions that shape human connections. From a man who writes letters to his unborn child (Hanya Isyarat), to a woman who falls in love with a silent man (Firasat), to a bittersweet tale of acceptance and letting go (Malaikat Juga Tahu)—each story is a fragment of a larger human experience.

Dee Lestari masterfully explores the duality of emotions—how love can bring both joy and pain, how silence can speak louder than words, and how sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones left unsaid.

Themes & Messages

1. The Unspoken Language of Love & Loss – Some feelings are too deep to be put into words, but they can be felt in the pauses, in the spaces between sentences.
2. Duality in Life & Relationships – Every emotion, every decision, every relationship has two sides. Happiness and sorrow often exist together.
3. The Power of Music & Words – Music carries emotions in ways words sometimes cannot, and Dee Lestari blends both beautifully.

Writing Style & Narrative

Dee’s writing in Recto Verso is poetic, lyrical, and deeply introspective. She doesn’t just tell stories; she paints emotions with her words. Each sentence is carefully crafted, making you pause, reflect, and sometimes, feel an ache in your chest. The stories are short but linger long after you finish reading.

Personal Reflection

Reading Recto Verso felt like reading pages from my own emotional journey. As someone who values deep, meaningful conversations and self-reflection, I found myself resonating with many of its themes.

Some stories reminded me of how I approach relationships—not just romantic ones, but also my connections with people, work, and creativity. Firasat made me think of how intuition often guides my decisions. Malaikat Juga Tahu reminded me that love sometimes means letting go. And Hanya Isyarat spoke to the way we sometimes communicate not with words, but with gestures, silence, and presence.

Like the concept of recto verso, I’ve always believed that every experience has two sides. Success and struggle, confidence and doubt, beginnings and endings—one cannot exist without the other.

Favorite Quote

"Yang terbaik tak selalu yang terpilih. Yang terpilihlah yang terbaik."
This line stayed with me because it reflects how life often works. We don’t always get what we think is “best,” but the choices we make—whether in love, career, or life—shape us into who we are meant to be.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Recto Verso is more than just a book—it’s an experience. It’s perfect for those who love stories that are felt rather than told, for those who appreciate the way music and words intertwine, and for anyone who has ever struggled to express emotions that feel too deep for language.

If you enjoy poetic prose, introspective storytelling, and narratives that make you reflect on love and life, this book is a must-read. And if you listen to the songs alongside the stories, you’ll feel the emotions even more intensely.

Rating: 4.9/5

Have you ever felt like emotions come in pairs, like two sides of the same page?