Review for "The Magician of Lhasa" by David Michie

Filled with so many quotable teachings, it's a book I'll come back to and read again many times.

The Magician of Lhasa by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only was this a book I needed to read right now, but it's also a story I know I need to reread, several times, and here's why...

Plot: The book follows two separate timelines and sets of characters. One is in the present day, the other, 1950s Tibet. The way the author has woven these storylines with the growing awareness and mindfulness of Buddhism throughout was pure literary beauty. One character is having a bit of a modern life crisis/change, while the other is a part of a small band of monks fighting against time to rescue some hidden and sacred texts from the invading Chinese army.

Characters: Before I talk about the two main characters, let me first say that there were no fluffy bunnies in here. All of the characters had a purpose and a uniqueness to them which was appreciated. So, the two MCs are Matt Lester, currently a science researcher/developer in nanotechnology, living in England, being faced with a drastic life change, and Tenzin Dorje, a sixteen-year-old monk, hiking through the Himalayans on a dangerous but important mission, with his older brother and teacher. Worlds apart in every way, it almost felt as though the two had nothing to do with the other... but you come to see soon enough just how alike and connected they truly are.

The Writing: The chapters alternate between Tenzin and Matt, both told in first person POV. The writing is fluid and smooth and engaging... very easy to get absorbed in.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is within the first chapter some (not TOO explicit) sex, which on the whole, felt out of place with the rest of the book, but, in some way, it did help illustrate the differences between Matt and Tenzin. And when we follow along with Tenzin on his sacred mission, there is some violence faced as they try to evade the Red Army.

Overall: The book says it's a Spiritual Thriller, but I didn't get that feeling. Instead, I was warmed with feelings of hope and love, and convictions of beliefs I've always had. This is a story about fate, purpose, and connections, not magic. It's a story that really brings wonder and appreciation back into a busy modern life. Filled with so many quotable teachings, it's a book I'll come back to and read again many times.

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