A review by clarereadstheworld
The Circle of Karma, by Kunzang Choden
4.5
This is a tragically sad, but ultimately peaceful novel about one woman's journey through life, from hardship and misfortune, to happiness and acceptance.
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Tsomo is born in rural Buthan, and spends her early years working hard in the fields and the house with her mother and siblings. After the death of her mother, and the failure of her first marriage Tsomo leaves the small village where she grew up to travel across Bhutan and into India. Along the way she makes many friends, and picks up a second husband who treats her only slightly better than her first one.
.
Choden has a very distinct oratory narrative style, so reading this book was like listening to someone tell you the story. I found this a bit hard to get to grips with in the beginning, but by the end of the book I really enjoyed it. I did find two grammatical errors in the translation which really jarred, but maybe I'm being a bit too picky!
.
What is beautiful about this novel is how much you learn about Bhutan while reading it. Every element of Bhutanese culture seeps through the pages, from the food, to clothing and religious practices. The descriptions are so vivid I really felt like I was there standing next to Tsomo every step of the way.
.
This novel also explores the precious position of women. Tsomo suffers greatly in life because of the fact the she is a woman. However, her strong belief in Karma means that she bears everything that happens to her with a peaceful acceptance. I'm torn as to whether this is a good thing, as it brings her peace, or whether I would rather she rage against the oppressive system.
.
Overall a great dip into Bhutanese culture, and especially the life of Bhutanese women. A great read.
.
Tsomo is born in rural Buthan, and spends her early years working hard in the fields and the house with her mother and siblings. After the death of her mother, and the failure of her first marriage Tsomo leaves the small village where she grew up to travel across Bhutan and into India. Along the way she makes many friends, and picks up a second husband who treats her only slightly better than her first one.
.
Choden has a very distinct oratory narrative style, so reading this book was like listening to someone tell you the story. I found this a bit hard to get to grips with in the beginning, but by the end of the book I really enjoyed it. I did find two grammatical errors in the translation which really jarred, but maybe I'm being a bit too picky!
.
What is beautiful about this novel is how much you learn about Bhutan while reading it. Every element of Bhutanese culture seeps through the pages, from the food, to clothing and religious practices. The descriptions are so vivid I really felt like I was there standing next to Tsomo every step of the way.
.
This novel also explores the precious position of women. Tsomo suffers greatly in life because of the fact the she is a woman. However, her strong belief in Karma means that she bears everything that happens to her with a peaceful acceptance. I'm torn as to whether this is a good thing, as it brings her peace, or whether I would rather she rage against the oppressive system.
.
Overall a great dip into Bhutanese culture, and especially the life of Bhutanese women. A great read.