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What they are saying...
Reviews EverestNews.com review Review February, 15, 2007 Boulder Daily Camera - Review September 17, 2006 BookPleasures.com Review Februrary 11, 2007 |
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March 22, 2007 Compelling, dramatic, adventure, Reviewer: Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - 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. "Beyond the Summit" review by Myth Rider As an occasional book reviewer, I open each new novel with great expectations. I tentatively read the opening paragraphs, hoping the story will get off the ground. Once the words are flowing nicely and I'm meeting the characters and seeing the plot take shape, I relax a little and start having a good time. I tense up a bit as I get into the last chapter, hoping the author puts a good ending on it, wraps it all up, and leaves me with a feeling that my time has been well spent and that I have something here I can write a positive review about. I just finished reading "Beyond the Summit," by Linda LeBlanc. It has all the elements I like. Words that work. A plot that takes believable characters on a nice ride. A setting that fits hand-in-glove with the people and their story and an ending that, while one might not see it coming, does what it has to do. And, for a former mountain climber, it's a bonus having a book with mountain climbing in it. In "Beyond the Summit," Beth, an American journalist heads for the high country of Nepal to write an article about the Sherpa guides who lead people on treks or to the summits of Everest and nearby peaks. I enjoyed the close-up look at the Sherpa culture from an author who's experienced it first hand. The trekking and mountain climbing scenes were accurate and suspenseful. Family strife and love across culture brought great depth to this wonderful first novel. Rocky Mountain News November 10, 2006 Beyond the Summit By Linda LeBlanc News reports about Mount Everest always focus on Western climbers. Yet, the essential sherpas remain conspicuously absent, as if they are lesser human beings. LeBlanc rights the balance with this gripping novel about Dorje, an ambitious young sherpa guide who falls in love with an American journalist. Both renounce their affianced partners and brave disapproval of their cultures to pursue their love - while ultimately, the forbidding mountain itself determines the fate of these star-crossed lovers. Final word: LeBlanc's vivid depiction of the Himalayas and the climbing culture make this a powerful read that should have been released in hardback format. Joan Hinkemeyer *****A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection., December 13, 2006 Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) Beth is an American jouranlist coveirng Nepal, Dorje is a young Sherpa who aspires to climb great summits - even at the risk of alienating his family. His search for modernity in a primitive culture and her search for love and meaning in life blend in BEYOND THE SUMMIT, a hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch Barnes and Noble Review Number of reviews: 2 Average Rating: ***** 08/07/2006 "Beyond the Summit is a beautifully written story about a young Sherpa and an American woman. It vividly describes the often forgotten life and traditions of the Sherpa. There have been many books written about the Mount Everest trekkers, but we don't often hear about nor comprehend that without the Sherpa's support, there wouldn't be an ascent. Beyond the Summit goes beyond the Trek, it goes to the heart of a Sherpa's life. Both Beth and Dorje have a dream. Beth, an American Journalist, is in Nepal to write a story about the life of a Sherpa. Dorje goes against tradition to pursue his dream of making it to the "Top of the World". Having met Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay when he was but 5 years old, he has held his dream of being another Tenzing. Dorje and Beth's world come together in a beautifully written story of love and tenderness, tradition and adventure. This book is filled with adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat. I felt like I knew what Dorje was feeling and what his family was going through. I learned so much about the life of a Sherpa: their traditions, their food, their lifestyle. This heart wrenching novel gives life, understanding, and respect to the Sherpa. I cried for Dorje and Beth's happiness and I cried for their loss. Beyond the Summit is a 'must read'." -- K. Chavez This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The author’s work resonates with the incredible depth, warmth, and simplicity of the Sherpa people. The gripping narrative has a strong sense of place with luminous descriptions of landscape and culture and offers sensitive insight into the characters. The love story--between a worldly Western journalist and a Sherpa guide--will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. By Wick Downing, author of nine novels including Leonardo’s Hand. Linda’s been there. She’s hiked the steep trails, crossed swaying suspension bridges, and endured bitter cold nights at 18,000 feet. She immerses you so intimately into the culture and place that you swear you’ve been there too. The feeling lingers long after you’ve put the book down. By Jim Wills, Nepal tour operator for over 20 years. "The umbrella in this fictional account is the crossover cultural romance between Beth, an American travel writer, and Dorje, a young, dynamic Sherp. The reader experiences this affair through the eyes, emotions, and cultural backgrounds of both individuals. This is a moving story in itself but there’s much more to this book. LeBlanc covers the negative impact of the Chinese takeover of Tibet. The century-old cultural changes that this event caused are fully documented as well as the opening up of Nepal to tourists and climbers of Mount Everest. The traditions, religion, and way of life of the Sherps are thoroughly presented. She gets into the minds of the Mount Everest climbers and why they endure the hardships and danger. There are dramatic visions and descriptions of the geography. There is much to learn and experience from this book. Looming always in the background is Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, at 8,848 meters. The last section of the book describes in exciting detail an expedition and its attempt to climb this mountain. You can enjoy this book on many different levels." -- Doherty Report. Four out of four stars. Amazon Reviews: ***** (5stars) A Must Read for Outdoor Adventurers, January 17, 2008 This fictional story about the Sherpas of the Mt. Everest region of Nepal is highly entertaining and informative. I am planning a trek to Everest base camp and this book provided invaluable insight into my future experience. I have become very interested in the Sherpa culture, food, religion, etc. since reading this book. (Prayer flags fly from my balcony now). Linda does a good job telling about the Everest experience from the Sherpas point of view rather than the climber's. There are many books written about the climber's experiences but few about the Sherpa experience. The Sherpa have been gaining support from many who have visited their country. The love affair between a Sherpa and an American writer is thoughtfully threaded though the Everest and Sherpa fabric so that it is not overbearing. I enjoyed having a glossary of terms in the back. A must read for climbers and trekkers and all who love outdoor adventure. ***** (5 stars) January 15, 2008 An exciting adventure/love story in a world known to few By David Kameron "Love to read" (Denver, CO USA) There are many adventure/love stories but few that cover a world that is so remote and different from ours in the west. I could "see" the mountains, "hear" the yaks, "feel" the cold, and "long" for a love so deep.The story carries to you to the land of Everest and the Sherpas in an interesting and fast paced adventure. Although fiction, it seems as if these characters are somehow known to the author and may in fact be real people with the names changed for privacy. I dare you to begin and put the novel down once begun. ***** (5 stars) September 21, 2007 Bill Howard (Houston, TX) I have never been to Nepal or Mt Everest but Ms Leblanc's novel took me to both places and gave vivid descriptions of what it's like to venture to the top of the world. Beyond the Summit combines geography and history with a love story to give the reader a novel of high adventure. Her book is filled with an abundance of information about Sherpas and exotic places in that region and its characters are very realistic. After reading it, I gained knowledge of a place which, previously, I knew little about. ***** (5 stars) Truth and fiction September 14, 2006 Reviewer: Bernhard Fassl (Utah, USA) This book covers the daily lives of people in the Himalayas. It not even goes beyond the summit but beyond the Shangri_la image often painted by visitors, people in search of spirituality. The story in itself is immensely spiritual but not the circumstances under which life has to take place. I represent a volunteer organization IPPG (International porter protection group, check us out at [...]) that gives high altitude porters a voice and I am depply touched by Linda LeBlanc's account which is more truth than fiction. Bernhard Fassl MD ***** (5 stars) Beyond the Summit by Linda LeBlanc November 6, 2006 Thousands your book buyers who LOVE NEPAL and have been there and thousands of others who "wanna go" will love to learn about this exquisitely described Himalayan cross cultural romance and death defying Everest climb. It is a first novel/tale from the Sherpa point of view. I hardly did anything else but read once I opened the book. It took me to places I had experienced in my own trekking boots many times. Joyce Tapper, Los Angeles 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: ***** (5 stars) a novel of high adventure and romance, August 6, 2006 Reviewer: Karen Wilson (West Virginia) - I loved this book from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. The storms, the climb, the cultural conflicts, the Sherpa culture and Buddhism, the passionate love affair between an American and Sherpa guide gripped me. The author drew me into the lives of the characters so deeply that I rejoiced when they did and cried with them. Rarely have I felt such empathy. My husband read it too and had the same reaction. It speaks to both men and women. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: ***** (5stars) Nepal Adventure and Romance, June 20, 2006 Reviewer: S. Hoey (Santa Rosa, CA) - This was a wonderful book to read. I've been to Nepal, and I recognize that Ms. LeBlanc has really done a great job of describing the people, the landscapes, the Buddhist religion, and the crazy tourists. The Sherpas are so special, and she did well explaining their love of their land and people. There is also the added delight of a fine romance between an American author and a Sherpa guide, overlying the tale. I don't think there are many books like this one that tell about the climbing from a Sherpa's perspective; usually the emphasis is on the climber, and I liked the way this book told its tale from both the woman's viewpoint as well as the Sherpa's. A good read, hard to put down. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: ***** (5stars) adventure at its best, June 10, 2006 Reviewer: Ellen Weeks (Colorado) - This adventure about Sherpas of the Everest region is gripping from beginning to end. It has something for everyone. Sherpa culture and its changes, Buddhist practices, Everest climbs from a porter's point of view and a love affair between a Sherpa and an American are expertly woven throughout the story. This is a great read from a number of perspectives. ***** (5stars) Beyond the Summit by Linda LeBlanc, October 16, 2006 Reviewer: B. Cates "Literary Cafe host" (Healdsburg, CA) Neither my friends nor I have been able to put down the novel, Beyond the Summit, by Linda LeBlanc. Linda, a former Himalayan trek leader, has written an adventure/love story about a Nepalese Sherpa guide and a western woman journalist. In the course of their meeting and breaching their vast cultural differences, the reader gets a glimpse of the harsh and beautiful terrain of the Nepalese mountains. Within writing that is so dynamic and graphic it is like watching a movie, we are seamlessly introduced to the lifestyle and customs of the hardy Nepalese. A subplot involving the sherpa's relationship with his father, in addition to unfolding a poignant drama, reveals the generational gap between tradition and ambition. Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains, including Mt. Everest, keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialogue. I can't wait to see the movie!!! ***** (5stars) Adventure on the roof of the world, March 7, 2007 Reviewer: M. R. Campbell (North Georgia) Author Linda LeBlanc, who began leading treks to Mt. Everest in Nepal 19 years ago, has captured the spirit of this remote Himalayan state and its Sherpa people in her novel "Beyond the Summit" with compassion, accuracy and fine prose. When Beth flies into the Kathmandu Valley on a writing assignment in the first chapter, Le Blanc begins leading her readers into the high country of risk, romance and adventure with the assurance of an experienced guide. As her plane lands, Beth shrieks, "Finally, after endless years of waiting, I'm here." Her dream: to see Nepal up close and personal while writing an article about the Sherpa people. Dorje, the young Sherpa who serves as her guide and translator, met Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay on their return from the summit of the "Mother Goddess of the World" years ago. His dream, since the age of five: to become the "Tenzing of the future" and climb the 29,028-foot (8,848-meter) Mt. Everest. Dorje, already in a strained relationship with his proud, conservative father, increases family friction by working for the well-paying climbers and trekkers whose money and values threaten the Sherpa culture and traditions. The tension increases when Beth and Dorje become romantically involved even though each of them is promised to another. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers on an exciting journey through harshly beautiful and dangerous territory to the roof of the world. ***** (5stars) Written by Someone Who Lived It, November 15, 2007 By Stephen J. Smith (Boston, MA United States) Great book. The detail about the Sherpas' lives could have only been written by someone who had been there. Really takes you to a completely different place and culture and lets you live it. Great read. “A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there.” – USABookNews.com By Claudia Fournier (América, Bs. As., Argentina) Such vividly depicted images of the Everest region and the Sherpa people are the perfect scenario for the romance and adventure feats narrated. It's a page-turner, so engrossing you end up wanting to visit Nepal! Not just novel, but perfect for those seeking to get acquainted with the culture of this country. |
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