White Crane, Lend me Your Wings: A Tibetan Tale of Love and War

Book Details

• Author: Tsewang Yishey Pemba

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789385285622

• Pages: 468

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

White Crane, Lend me Your Wings is a posthumous novel by Dr. Tsewang Yishey Pemba, the founding father of Tibetan-English literature. This historical fiction takes readers to the breathtaking Nyarong Valley in the Kham province of Eastern Tibet, set in the first half of the twentieth century. Through this novel, Dr. Pemba masterfully weaves the stories of individuals and the sweeping historical events that shaped their lives, painting a vivid portrait of a nation and people in a period of immense transformation.

The story begins with a previously untold account of a failed Christian mission in Tibet and transports readers into the heart of Eastern Tibet. The novel captures the spirit of the fierce Khampa warrior tribe, governed by chieftains, and unfolds the coming-of-age journey of two young boys as they navigate vengeance, warfare, and love.

As the personal narrative intertwines with the catastrophic national events of China’s invasion of Tibet, the novel explores complex themes such as tradition versus modernity, individual freedom, governance, religion's role in society, the inevitability of change, and the values of loyalty and compassion. Dr. Pemba’s work offers a profound and sweeping portrayal of Tibet's history during a pivotal moment in its struggle for survival and identity.

About the Author

Dr. Tsewang Yishey Pemba was a prominent Tibetan author and the founding figure of Tibetan-English literature. His works delve into the complex interplay of Tibetan culture, history, and spirituality. Through his writing, Dr. Pemba sought to preserve the essence of Tibetan traditions while documenting the tumultuous period of Tibet’s invasion and its encounter with modernity. White Crane, Lend me Your Wings remains a testament to his literary legacy and his deep understanding of Tibetan identity and history.