The Last of Earth by Deepa Anappara

 

The Last of Earth transports you to Tibet in the late 1800s. The setting and problems the characters faced were fascinating and I learned a lot, but I wanted more from this novel. 

The two major characters are Balmram and Katherine. Balram is an Indian guide for the Captain, an English surveyor who is trying to map a river in Tibet.  Balram has ulterior motives and wants to rescue his friend, who he believes has been imprisoned in Tibet as a spy.   Katherine is trying to reach Lhasa, a city that is forbidden to people from England.  She is trying to impress the Royal Geographical Society into accepting her as a woman.  She is also happiest when she is traveling.  These two characters face many trials and tribulations and each must find a creative way to solve their issues in order to reach their goals. 

I did struggle at the beginning of this book trying to get used to all of the names and places.  I did find it a little hard to follow as I was unfamiliar with many of the terms used.   I also found it a little distracting that the two stories barely had a connection.  I did really love the setting and the descriptions of what it took to try and travel to Tibet in the late 1800s.  I definitely learned a lot about this part of the world.  Katherine was my favorite character.  She was a 50 year old woman who didn't let her age or gender stop her from her goals.  She did something that many people today would find impossible. Overall though, there were parts I found slow and I really wanted more from the ending.  I do think this book is worth reading if you are interested in this time period and Tibet.