27 October 2009

Hotel Kerobokan -- Kathryn Bonella


Kathryn Bonella has released a new book through Pan Macmillan Australia, Hotel Kerobokan. According to the blurb on the Pan Macmillan site the book's release date for sale is 1 November 2009. I might have to trundle down to the nearest book store and grab me a copy. Until then I can only ponder what the book might include based on the release issued by Pan Macmillan and perhaps past performance.

Bonella helped Schapelle Corby co-write Schapelle's autobiography, My Story.

Hotel Kerobokan is the name, apparently, given to the Kerobohkan prison in Bali. Kerobokan is home for a good number of Australians, among them Schapelle Corby and the Bali Nine. The gist of the book, according to the blurb, is the fact that murderers sleep along side petty criminals, drugs and alcohol are freely available which in turn leads to devastating addictions, and guards who are on the take for all manner of things. The corruption of the place making it a hell hole.

The book focuses on the inmates stories of life on the inside of Kerobokan and the contrast to the holiday wonder world that is Bali, and which exists on the other side of the prison walls. The book should be a good read considering Bonella has apparently had daily access to the prison and the inmates for the purposes of gathering their stories. This suggests that the book was written with the full knowledge of the prison authorities if she has been granted this level of access to prisoners / inmates. So much so, that the Pan Macmillan review states that "the truth about Hotel Kerobokan explodes off the page."

To get the readers in, the review ends with, "Hotel Kerobokan paints a confronting picture. Everything you've heard is true. And there's much, much more than you ever imagined there could be."

The spiel on the author over at Pan Macmillan is this:

Since studying journalism at RMIT in Melbourne, Kathryn Bonella has worked as a journalist in television and print. She moved to London 18 months after graduating and spent several years freelancing for 60 Minutes as well as numerous English and American television programs, magazines and newspapers. She returned to Australia in 2000 to work as a full-time producer for 60 Minutes. She moved to Bali in 2005 to research and write Schapelle Corby's autobiography, My Story.

On a side note. I have been taking a fair bit of flak on another thread on this blog about Robin Tampoe (here), as seemingly anyone who writes a blog that includes posts on Schapelle Corby must be doing it because they are motivated by the prospect of making money off of her misery in Kerobokan. I can state unequivocally that I have made no money of posts about Schapelle Corby. This blog is not a commercial venture in a money making sense.

However, I wonder whether anyone would similarly question Bonella's motivations by suggesting that she is capitalizing on the misery of those whom she interviews for Hotel Kerobokan.

In the bigger scheme of things, I wonder how the sordid details and descriptions of squalor that are apparently the focus of the book benefit those that remain behind Kerobokan's bars. This is particularly so if some of those interviewed have been expressly candid regarding the conditions of the prison and the manner in which it is run.

My final point of wondering here is whether Schapelle Corby has been re-interviewed for this book. I am particularly interested in what she has to say considering there is a growing movement seeking to have her released on the grounds of her ongoing depression and claims of innocence.

As I said, I will head down to the bookshop and see if I can get a copy, unless Pan Macmillan or Bonella would like to send me an advance copy for me to review?

36 comments:

Kay Danes said...

Book is released Nov 1 apparently. Gosh the timing is terrible for the Aussies on death row!

Rob Baiton said...

Kay...

Apparently so, on the release date.

I watched an interview with Kathryn Bonella on the Today Show. It would seem from the interview that the book has a lot more to do with Schapelle Corby and her plight than as a expose purely on the state or standard of the jail.

Nevertheless, perhaps that was just the way the interview went.

I am intrigued though about the statement in the interview that Renae Lawrence is partly responsible for ensuring that Schapelle Corby takes her medications (anti-psychotic drugs among others).

Intrigued because I have heard that this is not true. So, if it is not true then why is it something that is being repeatedly stated?

Oh well.

Jacqui said...

There was an interview with Renae where she said she was "keeping Schapelle alive" by helping her with her medication (I believe it was Woman's Day). Where did you read it was not true? Do you think this book will upset the Indonesian government, or just the jail authorities?

Rob Baiton said...

Jacqui...

I had read that Renae was helping Schapelle with her meds (I think I might have also seen it referred to on TV. More recently, I have been hearing from a number of sources in Indonesia that the story of Renae helping Schapelle is a beat up.

I am not sure what benefits there are in beating this up for either Renae or Schapelle.

Will it annoy the Indonesians? It depends what is quoted in the book. The blurb says something about interviews with current and past inmates. If current inmates are into slagging off jail authorities and naming corrupt guards, then I guess whether Indonesian and jail authorities are a little upset will be known at the next set of remissions.

My guess, if they are pissed then there will be no remissions or remissions of a few weeks or a month instead of the usual 4-6 months.

So, on the how upset will the Indonesian government or jail authorities be? Depends and we will see.

Unknown said...

Rob,

Exposure about 'ugly' practices in the jail would be good in the sense that it would make the authorities aware about them, therefore should be stopped.

Rob Baiton said...

Harry...

Presupposes that the "authorities" do not know what goes on. There is little doubt that there is bad "stuff" happening in prisons in Indonesia, but I guess my point was more along the lines of whether this will antagonize the authorities to retribution or be a spur for prison reform.

The other part that I was wondering about relates to what impact the book might have on current inmates if those inmates are quoted talking about bribes, sexual favours, and the like.

www.kaydanes.com said...

I wouldn't believe all you read Rob. The latest in the Women's Weekly contained a completely fabricated story about a supporter who visited Schapelle. What happened in a meeting in front of DFAT, is very very different to what is written in the Women's Weekly. More sensational rubbish. I really can't understand why people don't just stick to a logical and strategic approach. Some things can easily be discounted and that being the case, it is hardly likely to benefit poor Schapelle now is it.

Rob Baiton said...

www.kaydanes.com...

Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Comments are always appreciated.

I am not sure that I follow.

It was not so much about believing what I read, but rather suggesting that I am reading and hearing alternative information on issues like whether Renae Lawrence is playing any part in medicating Schapelle Corby.

Kay Danes said...

Sorry Rob... I didn't realise I posted my url in the section where my name was meant to go. Then I hit click and it was too late to amend my mistake when I went to check the post made it up.

My point was not so much about Renae, although I do wish, and so does Renae for that matter as I am told recently by someone close to her in Bali, that people would stop using her name in their media releases... this serves no benefit to Renae... and in fact, it would be better for her to be kept out of the spotlight especially with remissions pending.

My comments were more directed at other claims made within the article of the Women's Weekly, that reveal some rather sloppy journalism.

Kay Danes said...

I read recently that Kathryn Bonella is angry that Woman’s Day implies she cobbled together the information for Hotel Kerobokan while researching Corby’s earlier biography My Story.

Yet on Bonella's own website and that which her publishers are promoting clearly states:

Kathryn Bonella spent a year in Bali, entering the jail every day to co-write Schapelle Corby's bestselling 2006 autobiography. Now she's telling the incredible story of the jail itself.

I personally think Bonella has put a lot of effort into writing this new book and that in itself is quite a challenge. If anyone has any doubt of that, try sitting down and penning 80,000 words. The critics in the media can tend to be harsh sometimes. It just comes with the territory when you are an author, or you are surrounded by controversy. Here's hoping it's all just a storm in a tea cup!

http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/mediadiary/index.php

conraddavidanomsedana said...

I spend 3 months and two days in Kerobokan jail, innocent, behind bars, kidnapped by a hotelmanager who was a little jealous...
a Belgian fashiondesigner with a laptop that looked expensive...
That's Bali...

I met Schapelle several times and she's a brave woman trying to survive day by day in cruel conditions. The womensblok is even worse than our conditions, but she never complained to me, sometimes she even smiled when she watched us doing yoga...
On my birthday, allready declared innocent by the judge, I was tortured by Myuran Sukumaran who lives like a king, served by his slaves. They stole and burned all my belongings; clothes, notes, drawings, fashiondesigns and patterns that I made for 3 months at night, my way of surviving the daily horror.
Who was scared? I wasn't.
The only thing I said, ropeted to a tree, with the securitystanding next to the Heroine Chief was TIDAK APA APA, no problem, IT WILL LOOK GOOD ON THE PICTURES.
And we have the pictures...not just stories but facts...
Who was scared of me and my notes? The inmates, the corrupted guards, Maliki the head of security?
Soon we'll find out when my book will be released.
I lived outside blok B where all Bulé (white people) are supposed to live, I lived in the middle of the daily struggle for survival; in the 'free of checking' amfetamineblok K, the Heroine blok H, the Sanur maffia blok C, sel tikus at the Death Tower, as a close friend to Scott and Andrew, who do a great job in jail, and I survived...
I saw the gambling with the guards and the fights, the beer and wisky delivery by the nightguards, the Bromance, the 3 times a day heroine shots...
I gave massage to pay my food,made portrets to pay toothpaste and sigarettes...
I got beaten beaten up by a swiss guy, all day and night stoned, who even bought heroine in jail for his wife outside, I treated the wounds of Gede who tried to escape and was beaten up close to death, I took care of a young boy in delerium from a drugcoctail...daily life...,
but also playing badminton with my best friends, giving Tai chi lessons, praying together as well with Muslim as Christians...I'm a buddhist, for them a SAUDARA, brother, a papa FATHER or BOSS.
None of my innocent friends, and that's like 25% of the inmates, some in jail for 10 more years, will be hurted, neither will Schapelle.
But I 'll do anything I can to spread the story to Europe and even if I can get only 2 weeks of for Schapelle or sell one more book of MY STORY it's worth the effort, she's worth it.
My friends I'm paying out now one by one, liked I paid 11.000 € myself...
The authorities are very well aware of the problems and practises and with the new Kalapas things are changing slightly, but still the inmates and corrupted security rule my Hotel California, even the army can't open the gate of a blok if the inmates don't allow....
You can always check in, but never check out, unless you PAY AND PLAY JUSTICE.
It's not over yet BELUM, not yet...

Kay Danes said...

Hi conraddavidanomsedana,

Yes I heard about your situation and understand that you have grievances with other prisoners. Some of which said they are fully expecting you to take the matter further. One even suggested to me a few weeks back that they heard you were going to attempt to sue the Indonesians, the prisoners, and even those on Death row. Good luck with that!

Prison life is more than a little difficult (understatement) as you know, and with it comes all the drama that you might expect to see on a soap opera.

conraddavidanomsedana said...

Hello Kay
You must have good contacts inside LPM to hear about the promise I made to some of my fellow prisonners, and I always keep my word... they know...the good friends and also guys like Iskander and Bonnie, good friends of 'the Tamil Queen of death row' or as we baptised Myuran 'Sponge Bob'.
Most of my friends are out now or placed into other prison with lower security like Bangli, so we can start now, plan plan, slowly slowly, justice will be done. No revenge but keeping up a promise...some things are NOT DONE on both sides of the wall; raping my best friend...giving my a boy on my birthdaynight who was scared to death i would rape him too...he didnt sleep all night, but by morning he begged me for more massage to calm him and healing the bruses Sponge Bob kicked into his body every day... burning my notes , adresses and work...
there's a price for everything, especially in jail...
Laughing when the Tamil Queen tortured me undermined already his reputation a little... more is yet to come
I promised to bring Myuran his last meal before the bullet, I will...I always keep my promise, I m obliged that to my sons, princes to the House of Karangasem and to their mother who died on june 06, while I was playing gamelan in my 'Hotel California'.
Jail was a great inspiration for my new collection. It was a little different from sitting at a an Armani show in Milan, or sipping champaign at a Chanel or Paul Smith party...but nevertheless very every usefull to learn more about myself and indonesia and his systems...
I want to live and die in Bali, live ya, die belum...not yet...!
In Belgium I' m trying to get all eyes on Kerobokan and Schapelle,working for ten years in the media is helpfull on that, and sell more of her book,as money earned here will go to her and not to the Australian government...
If you get in touch with Andrew, Scott or Schapelle give them my best regards, I miss them...believe it or not...
I hope Kathryn s book will be available here soon and I already told my agents about it so maybe they'll be intersed to make a translation to it...
As in the biography, of which Schapelle is proud as she told me, the writer was very accurate, Isuppose that she did a great job as well for this second book, I'm looking forward to read it...
MY book is growing every day, not an easy work as you relive everything again... The dark edge of the full moon - The bali Bromance - Anom, a journey into the secret life of the blue garden...

Greetz Conrad Anom

Rob Baiton said...

Conrad...

I do not know your story outside of what you have written here.

If you would care to drop by and let me know when your story has been published, then I will go out and grab a copy and get a little bit better educated.

conraddavidanomsedana said...

Rob,

My book is not out yet
I only got out of jail july 16

Still writing as well in flemish, french as english at the same time and restoring my drawings and jailmaps...
and getting my pics out of jail and Bali
as well as copies of my trial...

I hope to publish by half februari
Same time as the presentation of the fashion and accessorie collectie...

I have to earn my 11000 € back...
but I m more concerned about my guys in jail and that's quiet energy and time consuming, as I ve to work secretly and discretly on that...and organise the funds...

But we ll get there
Greetz Conrad

Rob Baiton said...

Conrad...

As I said, I will look forward to grabbing a copy when it does finally get published.

Kay Danes said...

Hi Conrad,

May I ask that when you say "Im more concerned about my guys in jail and that's quiet energy and time consuming, as I ve to work secretly and discretly on that...and organise the funds..."

What do you mean or are you not able to post here?

Rob Baiton said...

Kay + Conrad...

I would be interested to know about these issues as well. However, considering "who" reads this little blog of mine (hi peoples :D) maybe that conversation might be better off blog (out of the comments section anyways).

Maybe Conrad can contact you, Kay, off blog?

I am always contactable at rob[dot]baiton[@]gmail[dot]com

Just a thought.

Kay Danes said...

Yes... a good idea. My email is

kaydanes[@]foreignprisoners[dot]com

conraddavidanomsedana said...

Kay and Rob,

When I write secretly, I mean I have to be carefull, as my embassy in Jakarta isn't my best friend after what happened.
The mistakes they made are as incredable as what happened to Schapelle.
And also in Kerobokan I have to be carefull, as I don't want to harm any of ' the good guys'.
I know most of the corrupted guards and inmates, but of some of the officers I'm not sure what side there on. And I have to use them to help my friends who lost everthing, and who don't have the means for paying an ' honest trial ' or appeal... And in Bali that means bribing... Untill now all my connections are working perfect and we want to keep it that way...
But also outside the walls, there's a maffiawar arround Seminyak going on, so also old balinese friends I have to keep out of sight... I ' ll keep ,you informed out of this blog...
ConradAnom

Kay Danes said...

Conradanom,

Many prisoners I know have written books about their experiences, myself included, AFTER they have been released from prison. Seldom do they write when still detained. To do so would be ill-advised.

Writing after the fact can be good for the mind and where there has been an injustice, it can help create awareness of that injustice. But of course, rarely will it undo what has been done; and rarely does the exposure make any significant change to the prison, conditions and/or treatment. We know this from so many documented accounts throughout the world by prisoners who have been released and told their stories. So writing a book with an aim to change the conditions, stop the torture, prevent corruption etc... is rather naive. Some however use that excuse to justify their own commercial opportunity. Many of the Thai prisons were overrun some time ago with journalists wanting to cash in on the plight of those inside the 'infamous Bangkok Hilton' ... these stories were topical and good sellers. Did they change anything? No... the conditions and treatment are as bad as they ever were. Even now, the Thais have reintroduced the death penalty whereas previously they had not executed anyone for 6 years. That's not to say that writing books brought it back. Its just that writing books never stopped it and didn't prevent the reality of that place. A prison far worse than Kerobokan.

For decades, advocates and humanitarians have been lobbying governments directly to bring about prison reforms. These issues are complex and cannot be resolved overnight or in a single print run.

One has to be very careful criticizing any authority, particularly when one remains in that country. The repercussions can be very serious.

Personally, I would not write a book if I were still in a prison. This puts the prisoner in a most compromising position. You cannot slap the face of someone and not expect some sort of reaction, whether that is immediate or delayed. A prisoner's fate is decided daily by their captors and if their captors don't like what they've written.... (Cancel remissions, put into isolation, given some sort of punishment...)

Balance: It would be natural that a prisoner upon release wants to vent all their anger and frustration at the system. Hence why it's a good idea to write and then leave it for a few months after finishing. This gives the mind time to settle, usually after retraumatising, and with time comes greater rationality and clarity, not to mention access to documentation that follows any release.

Writing a prison story can be a powerful thing and can move 'people' to act out of compassion, offer tangible, practical support or financial aid to prisoners left behind. But this has to be done very carefully so as not to compromise anyone.

Writing for revenge against another prisoner ... to affect that prisoner's time, future, experiences, outcome, daily routines... just proves the point that people on the outside writing books CAN compromise those on the inside.

Writing to expose a problem like poor conditions is fine (as mentioned above) but you have to find the balance of what 'poor conditions' are in comparison to the rest of the country. Do they comply with minimum standards as contained in the UN Charter? So many writers write 'this place is the worst prison in all the world' etc... they're just catch phrases. Try spending time in a country where your existence is denied by the Government yet everyone knows you're there... certainly makes Kerobokan look like paradise even though we (who have visited the place) know it's not.

Injustice: Finding the balance between what is factual, actual, documented and emotional.

Highlight mistakes or inconsistencies in the system is good but be careful of venturing too far on the accusatory side of things. Unless you can back it up with fact/evidence... you may come unstuck and damage your own credibility.

Good luck with your writing. I hope some of these points make sense to you.

Unknown said...

Hi KAy,

Thanks for posting your incisive and sensible advice about caution when writing stories from (and about ) prison experiences. After having visited inmates in Kerobokan many, many times, and being well acquainted with most of the horrific stories from Conrad and others, my first reaction to the release of KAthryn's book was, 'Oh God, what effect will this have on those left inside...?'

We've written a bit about this too - but always face the problem of the implications...If it's not going to help Scott, Schapelle, Renae, Emanuel and others inside - and their incredibly loyal and long-suffering families - then dont make it public.

And that includes publicising the corruption, bullying and violence perpretrated by guards AND specific fellow prisoners. This is a dangerous game of roulete and I know very well that their victims often end up worse off afterward...

Indo's inconsistent and corrupt systems of law and order, privilege and persecution, need to be well understood if people are going to act on behalf of those inside. Release, pardons, redutions in sentences, favours etc dont happen the same way as in Western systems. Not at all...

Your advice is thoughtful and sensitive. I really do agree with you. Thanks so much.

Belinda Lewis
Author: Bali's Silent Crisis
(we get no royalties from our book but hope it helps others understand Bali)

Rob Baiton said...

Kay...

Thanks for sharing a detailed response to some of the issues surrounding writing about one's experiences in a foreign prison.

Rob Baiton said...

Bindy...

Thanks for commenting. Comments are always appreciated.

On the help or harm arguments relating to the Hotel Kerobokan book, I guess one has to wait and see.

Kay Danes said...

Dear Belinda,

Recently I read someone making comparisons between Kerobokan Prison and Guantanamo Bay Prison. The writer said that Kerobokan Prison makes Guantanamo look like a 5 star resort. This from a person who probably has never been inside Gitmo and possible, Kerobokan. If they had been to Gitmo then I'm sure they wouldn't make such outrageous comparisons.

I've visited many prisons around the world, including prisons in Afghanistan. I've also been requested by the UN Special Rapporteur to compile and submit reports on prisons and secret detention centres.

I get so frustrated when people use throw away lines like 'This is the worst prison in the world' or 'the most infamous' and particularly, when they make these assumptions from novels and not physically going and seeing for themselves, or working extensively with those who have been inside such places.

These statements only tend to undermine the realities of a prisoner's situation, if in fact the statement is untrue. And it does not do anything for the credibility of the person making the claims.

Indeed many prisoners do not cope well in prison. Prison life itself is difficult. The conditions of Kerobokan are far from ideal, but to elevate Kerobokan Prison conditions to Gitmo is purely ridiculous.

I haven't read your book yet but it sounds intriguing. I'll check it out on Amazon. Thank you for your comments. We are hoping the implications to prisoners will be minimal.

Rob Baiton said...

Kay...

Prison is not meant to be a 5-star summer camp, is it?

It is worth noting that in Kerobokan you can pay for an "upgrade" of services. I am not sure that you can do this in Gitmo or the old Soviet gulags (now Russian gulags)...

So, on a grand scale I do wonder how bad Kerobokan is compared to other places.

Anonymous said...

kay, you say that Renea doesn't like her name used in the media but every story she does she uses Schappelle as the story line to make money. the media would not be interested in Renea if it wasn't for Schapelle. if is wasn't for Schapelle no one would care about any Aussie prisoners oversea's. so stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!

Anonymous said...

Rob Baiton, you sound like a wanker. I can't believe you are a lawyer or what ever.. I don't think you and your girlfriend Kay danes have any idea what you are talking about.
marcus vincent

Rob Baiton said...

Anonymous...

First, I believe that it is Renae.

Second, are you serious? Do you really think that the only reason any Australian prisoner incarcerated overseas garners any support or interest is because of Schapelle?

There is something that could probably be said about smoking pipes, but I will let that one pass for now...

Rob Baiton said...

Marcus Vincent...

Thanks!

It is not everyday that I get called a wanker, so thanks.

A couple of points. It seems that you are positioning yourself as a real Schapelle Corby supporter. So, it is pretty classy to troll the blogs and forums calling people who have alternative views to yours, wankers. Great style!

Second point. Am I a wanker because you cannot maintain an argument? Or am I a wanker because you have no arguments of substance to make? Why is it that supposed supporters think the best mode of operation is to attack and vilify potential supporters?

Let's face it, I am supportive of Schapelle having access to medical treatment, and I am also supportive of her being repatriated to Australia. I have consistently argued that five years is more than enough time for the crime she has been convicted of.

For that support, I am a wanker? As I said, you are a real classy piece of work.

So, if you want to comment again, how about you see if you can make some arguments about the substance of the original post or any subsequent comments, if you can.

Please do not direct me to something like the hidden truth propositions paper. I have read it and this particular thread is not about the evidence. It is about whether Kathryn Bonella's book is an accurate reflection of the conditions in Kerobokan, particularly in the case of the cell that Schapelle lives in. The other issue is whether the book holds the potential to do more harm than good.

If you feel so inclined, then go for it.

As to the comments about my relationship with Kay Danes...why is it that "real" supporters such as yourself opt to play the individual rather than the ball (for want of a better analogy)?

Kay Danes said...

LMAO.... such an intellect... it sounds like frustration is creeping in at the fundamentalist camp. Name calling, bullying, trolling, abuse, multiple personalities splintering in all directions like a pack of rabid dogs biting at everyone who dares to express a slightly more conservative view of the situation.

It's quite sad really at how obvious they are to many, and yet they think they are so invisible. Kinda pathetic really.

I gave up defending myself at the SC Facebook site... I put all their names on block so I can't read their vile comments. It's wonderful to be oblivious to it.

You can't really engage any of them Rob. They are way out of their depth. If they knew what they were talking about then perhaps the Government would not continue to ignore their spam.... and the UN, MP's, notable legal professionals, and all the Human Rights Groups, Amnesty International, Get Up etc... would actually think that Schapelle worth fighting for. They don't and it's largely due, I suspect, to the arrogance and ignorance of this rabid clan who cannot construct anything other than vile abuse. I feel sorry for Schapelle that her fate is in their callous hands.

I hope she comes home or gets the help she needs at least. Another year in Kerobokan is certainly going to be a tough one if this is all she has supporting her!

I'll ignore the comments about Renae. She can't help it if more people seem to support her than they do Schapelle, if the reports and opinion polls are anything to go by. It's hardly her fault. So these attacks are completely unnecessary.

Free Schapelle!

Rob Baiton said...

Kay...

My apologies on the delayed response. I read the comment as it came through on email, but responding has slipped my mind until now (getting old!).

I often wonder about the strategy of abuse, particularly abuse of those who are potential supporters.

I have no personal interest in the case with respect to whether Schapelle is guilty or innocent, or whether she is released or remains incarcerated.

Nevertheless, I have argued that she needs to get the necessary medical treatment to deal with her [psychotic] depression, and ultimately for her repatriation to Australia.

Five years is already enough time for the crime she was convicted of.

On the spamming front. I do not understand the logic of spamming people who might be inclined to help and ridiculing them about supposedly being too slack to help out.

Indeed, Free Schapelle!

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