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Reviewers widely praise the book for its unique and valuable collection of historical postcards depicting Javanese workers during the colonial era. Many found it to be an insightful read, offering a fascinating look into the past and elaborating on historical backstories previously unknown. The diligent research undertaken by the author to gather these rare postcards and provide context on the history of photography and postcard publishing is highlighted as a major strength. Readers appreciate the book's ability to convey a lot of information through its images, with chapters helpfully categorized by profession, making it an excellent reference for the history of work in Java and colonial Indonesia.

However, some reviewers expressed concerns regarding the book's presentation and textual elements. Criticisms include a layout and graphic design that some found uncomfortable or not 'clean,' with photo captions sometimes placed in a distracting manner. There were also comments on the quality of the accompanying text, specifically the use of language which was occasionally deemed ineffective, possibly due to the author's non-native Indonesian. Furthermore, some readers found the author's explanations of common Indonesian subjects to be overly detailed and unnecessary for the target audience. A significant point of contention was the author's tendency to make assumptions about the scenarios depicted in the photos, which some felt contradicted the book's promise of objective interpretation and highlighted the need for a critical approach to historical sources like postcards, which were often produced with an intent to present exoticism or staged scenes.

Despite these criticisms regarding design and textual presentation, the consensus is that the book remains a highly valuable resource due to its unique content and the extensive research behind the postcard collection. It offers a rare glimpse into colonial-era Indonesia through a specific visual medium. This book would particularly appeal to enthusiasts of historical photography, those interested in the social and economic history of Java and colonial Indonesia, and readers who appreciate a visually driven historical account. While some aspects of its execution could be improved, its core strength lies in its ability to transport readers back in time through its carefully curated and diligently collected postcard images, provided readers approach the interpretations with a critical eye.