This book is simply stunning. It is not only the history of one family, but in a way it is also the history of an entire people. The story begins in Tibet, pre-Chinese invasion, with the author's grandmother, who was a Buddhist nun. Life in Tibet at that time is beautifully described. The story then follows the brutal effects of the Chinese invasion, the nun fleeing with her family on foot across the Himalayas in the snow, and arriving in India. The book then goes on to describe the extreme poverty in which the family lived, as well as the indomitable spirit of the grandmother who always found a way to provide for her family, even when doing so seemed impossible. The events are all real, yet they seem at most times to be surreal to a fat and happy Western reader (like myself). This book is a fantastic history, and also a great tool with which to knock a person out of his complacency.I give the grandmother's and mother's story 5 stars. I will say, however, that the book deteriorates somewhat towards the last quarter or so, when it focuses on the granddaughter/author's story. Yangzom lives a very nice, privileged Western life. Nothing at all wrong with that. But there is nothing particularly interesting about it either. The book would have been far better served relaying the grandmother's and mother's stories, then ending when they move to Switzerland. A last chapter with some follow-up information would then have been good. But hearing in detail about Yangzom's moving to Berlin, then to L.A., etc., really does a disservice to the beauty and heartache of the first three-quarters of the book. Her story dilutes the impact of the other women's stories, and leaves the reader on a middling note. But, again, the book is definitely worth the read overall. Brauen tells an interesting human tale of exile/displacement and identity through the lives of three generations of Tibetan women. The story keeps the reader interested even if the storytelling style is a little bland and boring. Learnt a lot about lay Tibetan Buddhist customs and beliefs that I had not known about or payed attention to. A good book for people who don't know much about Tibet.
What do You think about Tiibetin Tyttäret (2011)?
An incredible story of endurance and bravado! Women extraordinaire!!
—sam
