Malevolence in the Yard: Devils in Human Form

Can you believe that humans could be the devil himself?

Akiyoshi Rikako and twelve other authors believe that it is true. In the book Iblis di Pekarangan, we will be taken to explore thirteen short stories that highlight the darkness of the human heart, expected to be able to recognize the evil around us, even the one inside us.

Published in September 2024, Iblis di Pekarangan is the first book of collaboration between Akiyoshi Rikako, a famous Japanese author, and twelve Indonesian authors. This book tells stories of the main characters who are corrupted by the devils around them in their daily life—can be friends, parents, partners, or even themselves.

This anthology is not just a collection of mystery-thriller stories accompanied by dark psychology, but also a social mirror that highlights various issues such as online loans, revenge, abuse of power, infidelity, LGBT, rape, manipulation, criminal acts, even suicide and murder. This novel shows a twisted moral compass that can even be experienced by normal people who are corrupted by the world, the past, and the people around them. The word ‘Pekarangan’ itself symbolizes the boundary between the outside world and the dark side of humanity.

The stories from thirteen different authors provide different views on the devil in human masks. The different writing styles also provide a fresh feeling while reading. The philosophy and principles of the corrupted main characters are clearly stated in the book. Some people may find this book disturbing, finding how cruel this world could be, drawing readers’ sympathy, and cannot help but tolerate the crimes the main characters commit. This book is quite dangerous for people with weak faith. Therefore, be careful not to be influenced when reading it. However, it is precisely its nature as a devil's book—taboo and forbidden—that makes this book different compared to other thrillers or psychological anthologies. More bold, innovative, and disturbing to read.

The most interesting thing about this book is the unbelievable narrative, presenting various unexpected plot twists, adding tension, and playing with the reader's psychology. To be exact, it makes the reader continue to question the truth in the story. Even in some stories, the ending given is hanging, leaving the reader stunned with full of questions. In addition, it can be seen that the authors specifically provide detailed and sharp descriptions and atmosphere, immersing the reader in the world built by the authors.

However, some of the stories feel too short despite having a broad setting, not giving room for the many existing characters in one story to emerge and develop. Mostly only stated to give an enormous feeling, but as there are not many descriptions about it, leaving the reader puzzled. There is also one story that is difficult to understand due to the lack of narrative and too much focus on dialogue. Which, in a thriller novel, the explanation of a mystery should not be discussed through dialogue, but realized by each character to increase the tension. Furthermore, the authors do not write at the same level of writing ability, making some stories stand out too much, leaving the rest with a less deep impression.

Through its gripping narrative, this book not only explores the psychological depths of human darkness but also reminds us that as we live in a world filled with manipulation and uncertainty, evil does not always come in obvious forms. It can hide behind faces we trust, quietly lurk behind familiar faces, in relationships we consider safe. For those who appreciate short stories with psychological and social depth, this collection offers a fascinating and thought-provoking read.