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World Literature Today
Footsteps, like all of Pramoedya's works, demonstrates a strong commitment to broad humanistic ideals. For some readers, these ideals may seem to appear too close to the surface and to be discussed too lengthily, giving the writing in some places the tenor of a political tract. However, Pramoedya's skillful characterization and abilities as a storyteller more than compensate for such possible minor flaws. As with any good novel in a series, the story ends leaving the reader eager to move on to the next installment. One hopes the wait in this instance will be brief.
Library Journal
In the third volume of the "Buru Tetralogy" (e.g., This Earth of Mankind, LJ 9/1/91), Toer continues the story of Minke, an activist in the struggle for native rights in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). He travels to Betawi (now Jakarta) to study medicine but soon realizes that he must fight for an end to the political system of apartheid kept in place by the Dutch government during the early 20th century. The uneven writing style varies between stilted (but heartfelt) expressions of ideology and very moving accounts of Minke's experiences. Toer's books are all banned in Indonesia, and he is under house arrest in Jakarta. Minke's story is a courageous record of colonial repression and unrest. As a novel, however, Footsteps will be most appreciated by those who have read and enjoyed the first two volumes, so libraries should purchase accordingly.
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