Far from the Rooftop of the World: Travels among Tibetan Refugees on Four Continents

In 2008, journalist Amy Yee encountered the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, sparking a global journey to spotlight the stories of Tibetans in exile. Yee documents how Tibetans live between worlds, forging new lives while sustaining their identity and culture. The book highlights the humanity, strength, and perseverance of a people whose homeland is in crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

In 2008, the Chinese government launched a harsh crackdown on protests across Tibet, leaving journalist Amy Yee in the midst of a press conference with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, his exile home in India. Little did she know that this chance encounter would ignite a remarkable fourteen-year journey, dedicated to shedding light on the stories of Tibetans living in exile. Through her poignant documentation, Yee delves into the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary individuals, including Topden, a monk turned veterinary assistant; Norbu, a chef and political refugee; and Deckyi and Dhondup, a couple forced to leave their comfortable middle-class lives in Lhasa. Yee accompanies them on their journey to various parts of India, across oceans, and across four continents, as they navigate the challenges of forging new lives while preserving their Tibetan identity and culture.

Far from the Rooftop of the World weaves a captivating travel narrative, interspersed with intimate on-the-ground reportage, to present these stories and many others against the backdrop of significant milestones and tragic events in Tibet's recent history. The resulting portrait offers a profound insight into the humanity, resilience, and unwavering spirit of a people whose homeland faces ongoing crisis.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469675510