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Murder in the High Himalaya: Loyalty, Tragedy, and Escape from Tibet Audiobook
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(4.02) - 180 listener ratings
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An intrepid journalist's investigation of cold-blooded murder in Chinese-occupied Tibet leads him deep within a lawless world in the land of the snows.
In August 2006, two young Tibetan women left their hillside village in Biru County to make their way to Dharamsala, India. Frustrated by their inability to practice the tenets of Buddhism or Tibetan culture under oppressive Chinese rule, best friends Dolma and Kelsang were determined to secure their right to freedom—and sought comfort in the fact that they might seek counsel with their exiled spiritual leader, his Holiness the Dalai Lhama. Through a secretive underground network of Tibetan guides, the two friends, along with four dozen other refugees, embarked on a perilous journey that would lead them to Nepal along a dangerous former trade route: the Nangpa La Path, through Cho Oyu Mountain. On September 30, 2006, after weeks of harrowing travel, as they were nearing the border of Nepal, the band of refugees was fired at by the Chinese Army Guards. Kelsang, sick, frost-bitten, and delirious in the high altitude, was struck by a bullet from behind. Her death was not unusual in its circumstance; Chinese police are instructed to take any measures necessary to protect the border of Tibet. What was unusual on this freezing September morning was that a gaggle of Western climbers, stationed on Cho Oyu's advance base camp, had silently witnessed the event. One of them was Louis Benitez—a fearless Colorado mountain guide who led Himalayan trips for wealthy western thrill seekers. Another was Sergui Matei, a Romanian hiker, who captured Kelsang's murder on video. Both men had a choice: to preserve their climbing careers and turn a blind eye, or to alert the world to the grand scale of human injustice played out daily in Tibet.
InMurder in the High Himalayas, adventure reporter Jonathan Green investigates the clash of cultures at the rooftop of the world. As he gains entrance to a fascinating network of Tibetan guides and safe-houses operating in the name of freedom, investigates the tradition of extreme mountaineering in Chinese-occupied Tibet, and establishes contact with surviving refugees (including Dolma), he offers a rare, affecting portrait of modern Tibet and raises enduring questions about morality and the lengths to which we go to achieve freedom.
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"Brought the reality home of what life continues to be like for Tibetans under Chinese rule,coupled with a close look at the personalities involved in world of mountain climbing. Arouses some latent emotions about the injustices occurring in Tibet. Well-written and researched. "
— Kristin (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“By personalizing Namtso’s life and death, Mr. Green has conjured in the flesh an otherwise anonymous figure from Tibet’s shadows.”
— Economist -
“For three years, American journalist Green traveled to remote sections of Tibet to investigate the murder of a young nun who died at the hands of Chinese border officials. In clear, concise prose, the author deliberates over China’s stranglehold on Tibet, its systematic dismantling of the indigenous culture and the terror tactics employed on families…Green’s steely, factually dense analysis of this unlawful conspiracy sheds light on a perennial human-rights crisis.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A gripping tale of routine murder that would have gone unreported but for the fact that a group of Western clumbers were silent witnesses to the killing of a young Tibetan woman attempting to cross the border into India.”
— Bookseller -
“A shattering tale that will appeal to readers of all things about Tibet, mountaineering, human rights and the preservation of cultural integrity.”
— Shelf Awareness -
“William Hughes…does a fine job of narrating this compelling story…Highly recommended.”
— SoundCommentary.com (starred review)
Murder in the High Himalaya Listener Reviews
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" This is an eye-opening book on human rights abuses by the Chinese in Tibet. A must read! "
— Candice, 2/14/2014 -
" This book gives the reader a glimpse into the oppression and struggle that Tibetan's have long endured because of China. I recommend reader's check on-line for the video footage shot during this incident. Remember, this is still happening today! Om mani padme hum. "
— Laura, 1/28/2014 -
" This book is filled with a lot of fascinating facts and stories of high altitude mountain climbing, and about Tibet, its people, and their struggle against Chinese repression. The chapters alternate between the true story of two girls who eventually try to flee Tibet through the Himalayas with a group of refugees, and the mountaineers who witnessed the fatal, brutal attack by Chinese soldiers on this group. If I had been reading this book instead of listening to it, I probably would have finished it, but instead, at about 3/4 through, I looked up the news stories and actual video of what happened and was satisfied with that. I am just not a good mp3 listener unless the story moves along pretty quickly. "
— Marsha, 1/16/2014 -
" Not always my favorite book to read, but the story is very compelling. Disturbing view of the oppression of the Tibetans by the Chinese. It's a quick read. "
— Hilary, 12/20/2013 -
" I was shocked at how little I knew about the conflict between China and Tibet. A must read! "
— Rose, 12/7/2013 -
" Non fiction. This is a fascinating story tho not a very well written book. It was frustrating to read at times but I hung in there for the story of a young Tibetan nun shot by the Chinese in full view of western climbers as she tried to escape Tibet. "
— Joan, 12/7/2013 -
" A historically need book. It should be extra-credit in our school system. However, it will affect my enjoyment of 'climbing books'. It should also affect any 'Christian' in their walk and mission. "
— David, 11/17/2013 -
" Touches on some very important international topics. Very good, highly recommended. "
— anjali, 9/25/2013 -
" This is a nonfiction book that reads like a novel, telling the exciting and poignant story of two young Tibetan girls who get caught up in a storm of international politics and intrigue. An important tale, highly recommended. "
— Gabriel, 7/11/2013 -
" An important story that everyone should hear about but very hardvto read due to thevwriting style. "
— Marybandouveres, 6/30/2013 -
" i would love to read this book.... seems like full of adventure.... "
— Esther, 5/25/2013 -
" My husband has read maybe five books in his adult life - and he actually finished this one, AND discussed it with me. It's really good, in a really sad, eye opening way. "
— Stacey, 4/18/2012 -
" This book fascinated me. I didn't quite know what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised with the writing and storytelling of the author. This book made me think and reflect on my "easy" life. Highly recommended. "
— Erina, 4/10/2012 -
" wonderful..just finishing..so I cant share a thhing! "
— Shirley, 8/5/2011 -
" A very chilling account of a group of Tibetans trying to flee to India and visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The story of the murder of a young nun is just heartbreaking, but what is worse is the lack of action by the mountain climbing community, and the West in general. "
— Glenn, 1/19/2011 -
" I was shocked at how little I knew about the conflict between China and Tibet. A must read! "
— Rose, 1/1/2011 -
" Not always my favorite book to read, but the story is very compelling. Disturbing view of the oppression of the Tibetans by the Chinese. It's a quick read. "
— Hilary, 12/14/2010 -
" This book gives the reader a glimpse into the oppression and struggle that Tibetan's have long endured because of China. I recommend reader's check on-line for the video footage shot during this incident. Remember, this is still happening today! Om mani padme hum. "
— Laura, 12/5/2010 -
" A historically need book. It should be extra-credit in our school system. However, it will affect my enjoyment of 'climbing books'. It should also affect any 'Christian' in their walk and mission. "
— David, 11/27/2010 -
" This is a nonfiction book that reads like a novel, telling the exciting and poignant story of two young Tibetan girls who get caught up in a storm of international politics and intrigue. An important tale, highly recommended. "
— Gabriel, 11/2/2010 -
" Non fiction. This is a fascinating story tho not a very well written book. It was frustrating to read at times but I hung in there for the story of a young Tibetan nun shot by the Chinese in full view of western climbers as she tried to escape Tibet. "
— Joan, 9/28/2010
About Jonathan Green
Jonathan Green, an award-winning journalist, has written for the New York Times, Men’s Journal, Esquire, GQ, Financial Times Magazine, Men’s Health, and the Mail on Sunday, among others. In 2007, the American Society of Journalists and Authors awarded him first prize for reporting on gold mining in West Africa. Never shy of demanding assignments, he has reported in war-torn Sudan, the jungles of Borneo, and the ice fields of Alaska. He currently resides in Massachusetts with his wife.
About William Hughes
William Hughes is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. A professor of political science at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, he received his doctorate in American politics from the University of California at Davis. He has done voice-over work for radio and film and is also an accomplished jazz guitarist.