Alaf 21, RM19.90, ISBN 983-124-029-9
Contemporary Romance, 2003
In the realm of Malay literature, Ombak Rindu (Waves of Longing) stands as a towering figure, much like its protagonist, Izzah, who endures trials and tribulations that would make even the most seasoned melodrama enthusiast gasp for breath.
Having been adapted into a 2011 film that took the nation by storm, one can’t help but wonder if the novel lives up to the hype. So, with a heart full of trepidation and a mind brimming with skepticism, I delved into the pages of this literary behemoth, ready to be swept away by a whirlwind of emotions.
The story revolves around Izzah, an unfortunate soul who finds herself at the mercy of her cruel uncle, Pak Cik Taha. Driven by desperation and a mountain of debt, Pak Cik Taha makes the unthinkable decision to sell Izzah into a life of servitude.
Enter Hariz, our dashing yet deeply troubled hero, who swoops in to rescue Izzah from her clutches. However, their happily-ever-after is far from guaranteed, as their path is fraught with misunderstandings, betrayals, and enough plot twists to make a telenovela writer blush.
From the moment I stepped into the world of Ombak Rindu, I was assaulted by a tidal wave of emotions. Every character seemed to be perpetually perched on the edge of hysteria, their laughter echoing like maniacal cackles and their tears cascading down like monsoon rains. Love, in this world, was not a gentle breeze but a hurricane, sweeping characters off their feet and leaving them breathless in its wake.
Hariz, our supposed romantic hero, is a walking contradiction. On one hand, he’s the epitome of chivalry, rescuing Izzah from a life of despair and showering her with affection. On the other hand, he’s a hot-headed, impulsive individual prone to fits of rage and jealousy that leave Izzah battered and bruised, both physically and emotionally. His Jekyll and Hyde personality is as confusing as it is maddening, making it hard to root for him as the hero of this tale.
Izzah, our long-suffering heroine, is the epitome of the self-sacrificing martyr. No matter how much Hariz puts her through the emotional wringer, she remains steadfast in her love for him, enduring his cruelty and abuse with a masochistic devotion that borders on the unhealthy. Her unwavering loyalty, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of Hariz’s unworthiness, is both admirable and frustrating.
The supporting cast is no less melodramatic, each character embodying a walking cliche. We have the scheming parent of the hero, the vengeful other woman that fits the stereotype of the evil city woman prevalent in Malay novels, and the loyal confidante, all playing their designated roles in the grand opera that is Izzah and Hariz’s love story.
As I neared the end of Ombak Rindu, my emotional reserves were completely drained. The relentless barrage of angst, betrayal, and reconciliation had left me feeling like a punching bag at a melodrama convention. By the time the final page was turned, I was left with a sense of relief, not for the characters, but for myself, having finally escaped the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me.
In conclusion, Ombak Rindu is a novel that will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy their melodrama served with a heavy dose of extra everything. However, for those seeking a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of love and relationships, this might not be your cup of tea. Proceed with caution, and keep a bottle of blood pressure medication handy, just in case.
