Beyond the Summit

Linda LeBlanc
Pilgrims Books (2006)
ISBN 0978535308
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (2/07)

After hundreds of years of oppression under the shahs, the people of Nepal are experiencing the turmoil of change. Their lifestyle, customs, and economy are all in danger of extinction.  In this cross-cultural classic these changes have impacted the lives of father and son. Communication difficulties, misunderstandings, and the need for forgiveness have created a chasm in their relationship.

Beth, an American journalist, and Dorje, a Sherpa trek guide, both have dreams of completing goals and fulfilling their destinies.  Beth is in the process of writing the story of her career. Dorje has set his heart on climbing to the top of Everest to become another Tenzing.  This is their story, a story of overcoming obstacles to find meaning together through their love.

LeBlanc’s background as a former Himalayan trek leader has given her insights into the culture, and history of the Nepalese.  She has intricately woven these elements to set the background for the story.  She incorporates the point of view of the Sherpa people, the terrain and beauty of the Himalayan Mountains with a balance of vivid description and dialog in this story of avalanches, storms, Buddhism, animistic rituals, Sherpa culture and a life threatening Everest climb.

Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph with an the unexpected dramatic ending.  LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters.  I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.

It is difficult for me to describe the beauty and flow of LeBlanc’s writing. This has been a reading experience I will not soon forget. “Beyond the Summit is a book I highly recommend, for readers of almost any genre.  There is something for everyone in this heart wrenching, hard hitting adventure novel.

Make comment on weblog