A glimpse of contemporary Tibet
Rating:
5 / 5
This is a marvelous book, one that exposes the reader to an unfamiliar part of the world. The author informs without lecturing, tying together Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices with contemporary Chinese attempts to stamp out "minority" cultures while at the same time proclaiming all that they are doing to improve the lives of those minorities. In the story, the Chinese implement a "Poverty Eradication" plan which involves the elimination of the nomadic way of life, and of course the only way such a plan could be implemented is with force. At the same time, the protagonist is trying to discover who or what has been killing young boys while protecting the naive and otherworldly Tibetan monks who have accompanied him on his journey. There are smugglers, archaeologists, talking mountains and discerning camels--not exactly your typical read, but completely engrossing. If you've not read Pattison's first book, "The Skull Mantra," you might want to start with it, but I urge you make sure that you read this series.
Minorities under Chinese Administration
Rating:
5 / 5
Although this is a work of fiction, it gives the most intimate feeling for the sociology of minorities in territories administered by mainland China that I have seen. Better even than the tales the minorities themselves have brought out. Of course, as fiction, it is quite a story and a very good read.
Amazing story
Rating:
5 / 5
This book is truly a great book. The interesting setting and the unusual hero would be enough, but Pattison manages to take you on a ride through the current situation i Tibet, the mystique of the mountains and the wonderful people that live there. As the mystery unravels (slowly!), you actually feel the frustration of the hero, Chinese inspector Chan, as he has to battle with his loyalties and emotions.The plot is satisfyingly complex, and requires both an attentive and reflecting reader if you are to keep on top of things. Pattison avoids the trap of delivering finished solutions and encourages the reader to think for himself - something that is quite uncommon for best-sellers these days. The ending is both sad and beautiful and I actually felt my eyes become wet as I finished the book on the bus to work. When was the last time a paperback move you to tears? Keep up the good work, Pattison!
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