Kartini dan muslimah dalam rahim sejarah menyingkap peran muslimah dalam rentang sejarah kemerdekaan

The book is noted for offering an alternative perspective on Dutch colonial history, particularly challenging the notion that the Dutch were not interested in imposing cultural dominance in Nusantara. It also provides a detailed discussion on how the Dutch colonial period contributed to limitations in women's education by establishing complex socio-economic hierarchies. These aspects are highlighted as areas where the book successfully engages with historical debates and offers a different viewpoint.

However, the review points out several significant drawbacks. For readers already familiar with gender and development studies, much of the content may lack originality. The second part of the book is criticized for being overly chronological and insufficient in commentary, while the first part, which discusses prominent women, is perceived as lacking impartiality. A major concern is the book's argument that pre and early colonial Nusantara had no significant discrimination against women in education, and that any limitations were primarily exaggerated or engineered by colonizers. The reviewer finds this argument unconvincing, as the examples provided largely feature noble women, which is not considered representative of broader societal access to education.

In conclusion, the book offers some thought-provoking arguments, especially regarding Dutch colonial influence and its impact on women's education. Nevertheless, its overall impact is lessened by a perceived lack of originality, impartiality, and a somewhat unconvincing historical analysis of women's educational access in pre-colonial times. This book might appeal to readers new to the subject of gender and colonial history in Nusantara, offering a specific viewpoint on Dutch colonial practices. However, those with a background in gender studies or extensive knowledge of colonial history might find certain arguments lacking in depth or balance.