As with the works of other Iwan Simatupang, The Pilgrim (Ziarah) is characterized by unusual writing. The Pilgrim is a mixture of complex, poetic lyrics and a meditation on life, death and art. Through the figures of artists and an cemetery overseer, the author convey the thoughts of philosophy and views on the phenomenon of contemporary society with a unique way. When first published in 1969, this novel was considered a pioneer of new styles in the writing of literature in Indonesia. According to most experts, the Pilgrim is considered the top work of Iwan Simatupang. He won ASEAN literary prize in 1977.
