We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies

This beautiful Tibetan family story explores how people can feel tied to a sense of place years or generations after having to leave it. Ranging from a small nomadic community high in the mountains, to their forced relocation to Nepal and finally to a small apartment in Toronto, the book follows the daughters of a highly respected local healer and mystic as they are forcefully displaced as part of China's cultural revolution. Not only are they forced to leave their home, but their community's cultural practices are outlawed, and buildings and artifacts are being systematically destroyed. In spite of the trauma and poverty that arises from the displacement, the sense of community, family and tradition remains steadfast among those in the refugee camp, and beyond.

There's a natural authenticity to these stories that can be rare to find when reading stories like this. All the characters are multidimensional, complicated people, and whether they do good or bad or questionable things, it's always understandable why they do what they do. Even the most hatable characters can become sympathetic in their own way. And by focusing the narrative around a treasured statue, the multiple characters and timelines didn't get overwhelming or confusing.

This book works on many levels: the writing is great and has many quotable moments, the characters and their stories are strong and touching, the cultural references were enlightening, and the perspectives and social commentary about how the West seems to view Tibetan culture really forced me to think differently. I recommend this book highly.