Cantik Ni - VB Mann

Autor: VB Mann

Editorial: Principle Books

Año: 18/10/2025

ISBN: 9798990792166

Encuadernación: Tapa blanda

Páginas: 414 pp.

Idioma: eng

EAN: 9798990792166

Cantik Ni is Book 3 in the trilogy Living Heavy Traveling Light series by VB Mann. It opens with the married protagonists, Lewis and Suzanna who met in Book 1, The Oxenburg Woman and married (Book 2, The Exit Plan) in the initial stages of investing in the Malay Archipelago. They are attracted by its history, authentic energy, expansive oceans and lush beauty.
They?ve planned this deliberate estrangement from American culture and careers. In this unique and adventurous exploration of the theme of reinvention, the author incorporates the balancing act of adapting to life in a charming but primitive paradise after years of existential power and success in sophisticated technology careers. The plot brings them in contact with a range of characters - islanders naturally - sailors, tourists, Russian gangsters, and ex-pats from all over, including British nobility with colonial roots. Lewis and Suzanna find their footing through investment of time, money and skills. At times the book approaches a travelogue, offering flashes of culture clash as they merge their new existence with the former lifestyle and recognize the transformation of their notion of ?home? each time they visit Washington, California, or Germany and find them exotic.
The plot centers around the development of an exclusive, remote destination retreat - Cantik Ni, which translates to ?This is Beautiful? in Malaysian. The infrastructure needs of a resort are addressed with unique solutions involving experts and side-trips that immerse the reader in the methodical how-to of actualizing a vision. They?ve chosen an Indonesian island, one of the thousands of islands of the Banda Sea, which links Indonesia, Sulawesi, Papua, Borneo and Malaysia. They engage with business partners in Ambon, the ancient capital of the Spice Islands as sources of local knowledge and the city provides the entry point for their international clientele who arrive and depart via Pattimura Airport.
The subtle subtext of the novel is the rarely addressed directly, but constantly evident love and respect between Suzanna and Lewis. Their verbal exchanges, even at times of upset and anxiety such as finding each other again after life-threatening events, are a study in emotional honesty and compassion. Lewis?s experience in his former dangerous occupation contributed to his development of an overbearing, demanding leadership style. It was highly successful, taking him to the top of his field and making him wealthy. It wasn?t a negative before Suzanna, but love compels acknowledgement of his latent softer persona presented in witty, humorous moments. Their conversations offer an intimate look at the delicate balance of power necessary for lasting trust and passion.
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Living Heavy Traveling Light
Socrates believed that an unexamined life is not worth living. His words inspire us to look inward, forgive ourselves, and strive to improve, maintaining a sense of wonder in how we might live. In the 21st century, from birth to death, every photo and word, spoken or written, every action, discussed or undertaken, leaves a record. Socrates would be unbothered. He was talking about self-examination and living with intention.
To be human is to yearn for a clean slate, a new start. But in songs and stories, the concept of running from the past to the Mosquito Coast or vineyards in Provence-is debunked. Growth is not sparked by escape but by pursuit. Until our last breath, tomorrow is open and forgiving. No need to run; better to proceed thoughtfully. Maturity, appreciation, and peace come from treading heavy ground with a light step.
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