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A review by sineadw9
We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies by Tsering Yangzom Lama
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Beautiful, slow story that traces a family leaving, losing, and longing for their home. The characters are so different but so clearly related - truly a generational saga. The significance of a few key objects or foods (e.g., butter tea) united the chapters well.
I had the impression this book would be similar to Pachinko based on reviews, but they’re quite different. WMTEWOB is slower and lives mainly in the characters’ memories or reflections. I feel like it lost momentum at times with the character/time jumps, but it came together really beautifully. The last few chapters especially carry a lot of weight and have strong imagery.
Would recommend to those who want a quiet but sweeping family saga that lives in the grey area between history and myth. I learned a lot about Tibet, and as someone who lives in Toronto, felt close to the Parkdale chapters.
I had the impression this book would be similar to Pachinko based on reviews, but they’re quite different. WMTEWOB is slower and lives mainly in the characters’ memories or reflections. I feel like it lost momentum at times with the character/time jumps, but it came together really beautifully. The last few chapters especially carry a lot of weight and have strong imagery.
Would recommend to those who want a quiet but sweeping family saga that lives in the grey area between history and myth. I learned a lot about Tibet, and as someone who lives in Toronto, felt close to the Parkdale chapters.