A review by serendipitysbooks
We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies by Tsering Yangzom Lama

emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 
We Measure the Earth With Our Bodies is a multi generational family story centred on Tibetan family. We meet two sisters, Lhamo and Tenkyi, as they escape with their family and other members of their village in the aftermath of a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Along the way they are orphaned. Various temporary settlements in Nepal become permanent for Lhamo, while Tenkyi manages to secure a scholarship to study in India. Years later she lives in Canada, battling traumatic memories, working as a cleaner, and living with Lhamo’s daughter, Dolma, who is trying to forge a path as a Tibetan studies scholar. A ku, or statue, known as the Nameless Saint is almost a character in its own right, playing an important role in the family’s journey, representing their still strong connection to their land, and also by highlighting the trade, often illegal, in cultural artefacts, a common current manifestation of colonialism, and something that has featured in a couple of my current reads. The condescending and exploitative attitude that western scholars of Tibet exhibited towards Dolma, was one of the scenes that stood out in the story to me. I was also impressed by the nuanced way this book explored the artefact trade, while not shying away from its exploitative nature. Ditto with the impact of the tourism industry and cultural appropriation. This story was told from several points of view which not only let the reader experience the family interactions and dynamics from different angles, but also allowed the author to showcase different ways the experience of being a refugee, unable to return or enter your county can affect people. Although Lhamo, Tenkyi, Dolma and Samphel lived very different lives, Tibet still exerted a strong pull, and remained a crucial influence on all their lives.

I definitely appreciated what I learned about Tibetan culture from this story, but also enjoyed its exploration of family especially the mother-daughter relationships, and the bonds between sisters.
 
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