Far from the Rooftop of the World

Travels among Tibetan Refugees on Four Continents

By Amy Yee | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

In 2008, the Chinese government cracked down on protests throughout Tibet, and journalist Amy Yee found herself covering a press conference with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, his exile home in India. She never imagined a personal encounter with the spiritual leader would spark a global, fourteen-year journey to spotlight the stories of Tibetans in exile. As she documents how Tibetans live between worlds, Yee comes to know ordinary but extraordinary people like Topden, a monk and unlikely veterinary assistant; Norbu, a chef and political refugee; and Deckyi and Dhondup, a couple forced to leave their middle-class lives in Lhasa. Yee follows them to other parts of India and across oceans and four continents where they forge new lives while sustaining Tibetan identity and culture.

Weaving a sweeping travel narrative with intimate on-the-ground reportage, Far from the Rooftop of the World tells these stories and others against the backdrop of milestones and events in Tibet’s recent history – many memorable, too many tragic. The resulting portrait illuminates the humanity, strength, and perseverance of a people whose homeland is in crisis.

Editions of Far from the Rooftop of the World

Paperback
ISBN 9781469675510
EBook
ISBN 9781469675527
PDF
ISBN 9798890863355

Read an Excerpt

In 2008, the Chinese government cracked down on protests throughout Tibet, and journalist Amy Yee found herself covering a press conference with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, his exile home in India. She never imagined a personal encounter with the spiritual leader would spark a global, fourteen-year journey to spotlight the stories of Tibetans in exile. As she documents how Tibetans live between worlds, Yee comes to know ordinary but extraordinary people like Topden, a monk and unlikely veterinary assistant; Norbu, a chef and political refugee; and Deckyi and Dhondup, a couple forced to leave their middle-class lives in Lhasa. Yee follows them to other parts of India and across oceans and four continents where they forge new lives while sustaining Tibetan identity and culture.

Weaving a sweeping travel narrative with intimate on-the-ground reportage, Far from the Rooftop of the World tells these stories and others against the backdrop of milestones and events in Tibet’s recent history – many memorable, too many tragic. The resulting portrait illuminates the humanity, strength, and perseverance of a people whose homeland is in crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Far from the Rooftop of the World about?

In 2008, the Chinese government cracked down on protests throughout Tibet, and journalist Amy Yee found herself covering a press conference with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, his exile home in India. She never imagined a personal encounter with the spiritual leader would spark a global, fourteen-year journey to spotlight the stories of Tibetans in exile. As she documents how Tibetans live between worlds, Yee comes to know ordinary but extraordinary people like Topden, a monk and unlikely veterinary assistant; Norbu, a chef and political refugee; and Deckyi and Dhondup, a couple forced to leave their middle-class lives in Lhasa. Yee follows them to other parts of India and across oceans and four continents where they forge new lives while sustaining Tibetan identity and culture.

Weaving a sweeping travel narrative with intimate on-the-ground reportage, Far from the Rooftop of the World tells these stories and others against the backdrop of milestones and events in Tibet’s recent history – many memorable, too many tragic. The resulting portrait illuminates the humanity, strength, and perseverance of a people whose homeland is in crisis.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Far from the Rooftop of the World?

Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Travel and holiday > Travel and holiday guides > Travel guides: museums, historic sites, galleries etc

Where can I read a sample of Far from the Rooftop of the World?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469675510

How long is Far from the Rooftop of the World and how many pages does it have?

Far from the Rooftop of the World has 280 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Far from the Rooftop of the World?

Amy Yee

Who is the Publisher of the book Far from the Rooftop of the World?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Far from the Rooftop of the World is available as paperback(ISBN 9781469675510) and ebook(ISBN 9781469675527) and pdf(ISBN 9798890863355)

Where can I buy Far from the Rooftop of the World online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Far from the Rooftop of the World?