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About this
Book
Beyond the Summit tells the story of two people with dreams: Beth,
an American journalist who finally arrives in her Shangri-la
to do a story on Nepal, and Dorje, a young Sherpa who aspires
to summit Everest like Tenzing Norgay, even if it means severing
ties with his father's traditions.
As tourists flood into the remote Himalayan kingdom, Dorje yearns
for what the modern world brings. He struggles not only aginst
violent storms and the mountain that has seduced him since childhood
but clashes with his father as old ways vanish. Immediately attracted
to the blond-haired woman who comes to study his people, Dorje
experiences a deeper love than he has ever known and learns the
consequences of their affair.
What the Readers Say
"This superbly crafted novel will
land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure and romance.
The author's work resonates with the incredible depth, warmth,
and simplicity of the Sherpa people. The gripping narrative has
a strong sense of place with luminous descriptions of landscape
and culture and offers sensitive insight into the characters.
The love story between a worldly Western journalist and a Sherpa
guide will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and
deep rich loving." -- Wick Downing, author of nine novels
including Leonardo's Hand
"Linda's been there. She's hiked the
steep trails, crossed swaying suspension bridges, and endured
bitter cold nights at 18,000 feet. She immerses you so intimately
into the culture and place that you swear you've been there too.
The feeling lingers long after you've put the book down."
-- Jim Wills, Nepal tour operator for over 20 years.
"This was a wonderful book to read.
I've been to Nepal, and I recognize that Ms. LeBlanc has really
done a great job of describing the people, the landscapes, the
Buddhist religion, and the crazy tourists. The Sherpas are so
special, and she did well explaining their love of their land
and people. There is also the added delight of a fine romance
between an American author and a Sherpa guide, overlying the
tale. I don't think there are many books like this one that tell
about the climbing from a Sherpa's perspective; usually the emphasis
is on the climber, and I liked the way this book told its tale
from both the woman's viewpoint as well as the Sherpa's. A good
read, hard to put down." -- S. Hoey (Santa Rosa, CA)
"This adventure about Sherpas of the Everest region is gripping
from beginning to end. It has something for everyone. Sherpa
culture and its changes, Buddhist practices, Everest climbs from
a porter's point of view and a love affair between a Sherpa and
an American are expertly woven throughout the story. This is
a great read from a number of perspectives." -- Ellen
Weeks (Colorado)
"Beyond the Summit is a beautifully written story
about a young Sherpa and an American woman. It vividly describes
the often forgotten life and traditions of the Sherpa. There
have been many books written about the Mount Everest trekkers,
but we don't often hear about nor comprehend that without the
Sherpa's support, there wouldn't be an ascent. Beyond the
Summit goes beyond the Trek, it goes to the heart of a Sherpa's
life. Both Beth and Dorje have a dream. Beth, an American Journalist,
is in Nepal to write a story about the life of a Sherpa. Dorje
goes against tradition to pursue his dream of making it to the
"Top of the World". Having met Sir Edmund Hillary and
Tenzing Norgay when he was but 5 years old, he has held his dream
of being another Tenzing. Dorje and Beth's world come together
in a beautifully written story of love and tenderness, tradition
and adventure. This book is filled with adventure that keeps
you at the edge of your seat. I felt like I knew what Dorje was
feeling and what his family was going through. I learned so much
about the life of a Sherpa: their traditions, their food, their
lifestyle. This heart wrenching novel gives life, understanding,
and respect to the Sherpa. I cried for Dorje and Beth's happiness
and I cried for their loss. Beyond the Summit is a 'must
read'." -- K. Chavez
"Best book on Nepal ever... This is the book to read
before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows
and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the
cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life
of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is
a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended."
-- John (college professor)
"A novel of high adventure and romance... I loved this book
from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. The storms, the
climb, the cultural conflicts, the Sherpa culture and Buddhism,
the passionate love affair between an American and Sherpa guide
gripped me. The author drew me into the lives of the characters
so deeply that I rejoiced when they did and cried with them.
Rarely have I felt such empathy. My husband read it too and had
the same reaction. It speaks to both men and women." --
Karen Wilson
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