Lachen Im Land Des Donnerdrachen: Mein Leben In Bhutan (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
An interesting insight into life in Bhutan. In 1994, Linda Leaming, a native of Tennessee, United States, traveled to Asia as a tourist and visited several countries, including Bhutan and fell in love with the country, the simple lifestyle and its people. In 1997 she moved to Bhutan to live and teach English. The memoir is a delightful insight into the culture, people and lifestyle in Bhutan and the author’s experience as she struggles initially to adjust to a culture very different from the Western one. The writing wasn’t quite captivating, but the subject matter, content, and the author’s experiences were. Bhutan being a fairly closed country, it was fascinating to read about it and get a glimpse into what it’s like living there. So true about Westerners having to chat about everything and fill the airspace; Asians, and here – Bhutanese people, are quite content to have long silences interspersed with occasional conversation. And, the courting dance that the author and her now Bhutanese husband Phurba Namgay, went through, was cute and funny. I could feel her frustration and uncertainty, but hats off to her – she didn’t impose her Western lens and behavior on the situation and it all worked out. I felt the author was careful about how much she shared personally about her relationship with her husband and the tidbit related to adopting a child, but I understand the sensitivity and respect her holding back. The author has another book scheduled to be published Oct. 1, 2014 and maybe we’ll learn more about how their lives have transpired. I will definitely put it on my reading list. She currently spends her time living between Bhutan and Tennessee – must be interesting when the family transitions between the two cultures! I’d give this book a solid 3.5 rating – it’s well worth it -- learning about life in Bhutan. Hmmmm. Well, to be honest, this is a little bit of a rambling read. But I give it 4 rather than 3 stars because I think that the author shares quite a lot about Bhutanese culture and it is an interesting book because of that. It reads a bit like a series of journal writings and as such, doesn't really have a linear narrative, but as I said, it is interesting, gives great perspective on the culture of Bhutan and also has some amusing moments. Worth reading, particularly if you have been or will be traveling to Bhutan.
What do You think about Lachen Im Land Des Donnerdrachen: Mein Leben In Bhutan (2011)?
Beautiful book about a truly magical place. Her growth during her journey is one to emulate.
—Alyssa
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to move to Bhutan!
—Hyperion
Very interesting, thought provoking, and hysterically funny in places!
—rmcherry
