Author: Linda LeBlanc

ISBN: 0-9785353-0-8

Beyond the Summit starts out with an enticing premise, two people from different worlds meet in Shangri-La and embark on an affair that transcends race, culture and tradition. The setting, Nepal in the 1960’s seemed like an ideal place to start, a time when tradition and modernity clashed in Nepal. Beth, a young journalist from America, arrives starry eyed and eager to document the lives of Sherpas in Nepal. Dorje is a Sherpa who dreams of climbing to Everest’s peak. Their paths cross and sparks fly almost immediately.

The author has obviously done her research; every page is filled with the Himalayan air. Everything from the everyday sounds, the beautiful scenery and the dangers of climbing the unforgiving peaks is rendered so realistically, as to be palpable. The climbing scenes were truly nerve wracking; it was possible that at any minute someone might die.

What was most refreshing was the equal representation of the dangers to both the Western climbers and the Sherpas. Rather than presenting the Sherpas as mythical climbing machines, the characters were human, capable of error and just as mortal. Sherpa culture has been carefully woven into the narrative without being overly academic. Instead a detailed picture of Sherpa customs and day-to-day life is given.

However not everything was smooth sailing in the book. I found some of the dialogue in the beginning a little clunky, it seemed impossible that anyone would say these things. But this did improve as the book progressed and the dialogue became more realistic. Another thing I have to take issue with was the romantic relationship between Dorje and Beth. The only motivation that seemed apparent was their physical attraction to each other and their sexual relationship. A poor motivation considering Beth leaves her fiancé to resume her relationship with Dorje, and Dorje decides to leave his pregnant fiancé for Beth.

Overall this was an enjoyable book. The difficulty faced by those who dream to reach the world’s highest point, and the passion required; made this a worthwhile read. The exotic setting and the examination of a culture in transition was also another reason I would recommend this book.

 The above review was contributed by: Deborah Augustin, Prolific reader and reviewer: Click here  to read more of Deborah's Reviews