Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet Paperback – August 8, 2006

While this book absolutely must have been edited by censors it was so fabulous. Tibetan rebels are portrayed as killers Chinese soldiers for no reason . Seems unlikely. But the story was so fabulous. I loved it.

I've always been interested in reading books about Tibet. And so I gladly embraced this 2004 novel by Chinese journalist Xinran. A mere 224 pages, it is a fast read and a romantic adventure. Supposedly based on a true interview the author had with an old Chinese woman who spent 30 years in Tibet, this is the story of Shu Wen, a newlywed in 1958, whose young doctor husband was reported dead in Tibet. The details of his death were not clear and Shu Wen wanted to find out the truth. And so she signed up for the Chinese Communist Army, one of the few females in the group who traveled to Tibet under spartan military conditions with the hope of finding out what happened to her husband.It took her 30 years to find out the truth. But that was only after she spent most of those years living with a family of Yak herders and befriending a former wealthy Tibetan woman who taught her to survive in the harsh landscape. I loved the part of the book which introduced the family and the Tibetan lifestyle. It also gave humanity to the Chinese invaders who saw themselves as bringing a better life to the people who seemed backward to them and much too steeped in religion. This made interesting reading. The author's language is simple and its clarity had the perfect tone to describe Tibet through this Communist Chinese woman's eyes.In this book, the Chinese are not the bad guys. And the theme made their conquest of Tibet inevitable. Less effective was the plot because it's hard to believe. There are just too many coincidences. And it's much too romantic. But then again, this is a novel.Sky Burial's point of view was rather refreshing because it didn't demonize the Chinese. And for that reason think it will best be enjoyed for those who can view it in context.

I first read about Sky Burials back in the 1960s in Tuesday Lopsang Rampa's The Third Eye. During this past year I've been immersed in Eliot Pattison's Inspector Shan Tao Yun series which starts with The Skull Mantra (Inspector Shan Tao Yun Novels). Both authors offer immense glimpses into the life & times & spirituality of Tibet.Xinran takes us to that Tibet through a new set of eyes: female, & seen from a young Chinese bride's point of view & her lifelong search for her husband. Along the way, she grows up & witnesses a change in how she feels & sees the world.Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet is told in simply lyrical language that will stir women's hearts & souls... & make you want to find what else this author has written.Very well done!

This is the third book I've read by Xinran and I just ordered two more because this author writes like an angel. Her words are chosen with simplicity and meaning to create good, clear storytelling which actually requires a great deal of skill to pull off. The people spring to life and our emotions are stirred as we learn their life stories. In this particular book, I wonder what happened to Shu Wen after the tale is told. Did she find her family? Go to Beijing to rejoin her friends? Return to Tibet? I'm guessing most readers would love to know. Thank you, Xinran, for mastering your art and craft, and for sharing the fruits of your labors with all of us.

I selected this book as my book club pick because of other reviews and because I wanted to learn about Tibet (and the Tibet/China issues specifically). The story was an easy read - 9 of 10 book club memebrs enjoyed it. The love story was not told with emotion as it was a third person telling but it was colorful and easy to relate to in many ways.

It gave you the knowledge of that era in detail in the life of one woman.

I enjoyed reading Sky Burial. It's a fast read and the story is very interesting. The life of one chinese women and her love and loyalty to her husband is refreshing. At times unbelievable the story is compelling. Reading about Tibet and its people, the animals, and the family traditions is both educational and gives new understandings. The ending demonstrates a Buddhist tradition that I was unaware of, but it certainly expressed an understanding of many of the Buddhist precepts. Love gives meaning to our life, following one's heart 'no matter what' renders a life well lived.

Just an amazing story of a womans love and devotion towards her husband. Never giving up and having to endure 30 years of surviving just in the hope to see her young love. Living with stangers and having to survive in those conditions not being able to speak their language. I found it sad but still wonderful. She is a very brave woman!Fabulous true story!!!Thank you to the writer for finding this woman and putting her story down on paper.Anna Kriel