TW: Self-Harm, Suicide, Religious Persecution, Racism

Add this to the pile of books that, having read, will mean I'm never going to be allowed back into Mainland China. This is mostly a history of a small but infamous Tibetan town but also the history of the conflict between Tibetan and The People's Republic of China. It is well researched, relying on refugee oral stories as well as heavily researched first hand accounts. It is the sort of book that brings into stark reality the trials of a people who have been forced to give up their language, culture and religion for the sake of a government that does not care about their well being and that will do whatever it takes to make it seem like things are perfectly alright in Tibet. This book is particularly important now with the increasingly horrible situation in Hong Kong. While we fight and stand with Hong Kong, we might be tempted to forget that Tibet is also working against these same forces.

This book is deeply difficult to read. It's the kind of book that is going to stay with me for a long, long time. I'm aware that besides vocal support, there isn't a whole lot someone like me could do to help the Tibetan cause. But it is also a dark reminder that there is always a chance that it could happen to anyone, anywhere.