I would struggle to imagine that a woman wrote this book, unless she hates herself and other women very, very, much. I would be mortified to publish a book like this and people who know me read it.
There's some 'seepage' / 'leakage' throughout the badly written stories as I already mentioned is the writer across a few stories drops common ideas about protagonist.
They suggest they are:
A wry observer of life (they aren't)
An outsider
Somewhat genius (they aren't)
Has a true gift with words, to write in a way that others can't (untrue)
Employed as travelogue writer
Are a loner, are not good with people, prefer own company
Others find them fascinating due to above
Speak multiple languages but NOT Balinese
Feel angry / excluded / resentful about not speaking Balinese
Aren't interested in showy wealth or possessions
Prefer life 'on the road' / travelling / being on the move
Have spiritual leanings, found god, consult with shamans
Ex-pat gone to Indonesia
Left behind former life / lives with no regrets
About to leave current life with no regret
Zero sentiment or emotions bar lust, anger, fatigue
In one chapter, uses viagra for sex as if that's 'normal'
Loathes western women who have relationships with young Indonesian men
Appreciates furniture, antiques, fine wine, classical music
Contempt for others
Vindictive and executes retribution inc violence, arson
Migrated due to living off some form of income they don't have to earn
Speaks of property in estate agent type terms as opposed to descriptions
If any children always two from past relationship, no sentiment or development
Always has a local sidekick / assistant who inexplicably helps them out a lot
Health problems, feeling older, feeling wearing, reflecting on life
Loathes foreigners / 'newcomers' even though they are one
I will return to this book more and try to break some of it down - for example scrutinise examples of dialogue - there is very little throughout.
