The Last of Earth
Tibet’s peaks and canyons are treacherous, its high elevations devoid of vegetation, but its special beauty is seen through Anappara’s rich descriptions of the ever-changing colors of earth and sky. Tibet’s borders in the 19th century are closed to white foreigners, with death to violators and anyone assisting them. In 1869 we follow two expeditions into Tibet: the captain, an Englishman and member of the Royal Geographical Society, with his survey party; and 50-year-old Katherine with her guide and translator, Mani.
The captain is determined to be the first Englishman to chart the Tsangpo River. This time he is leading an expedition with his experienced Indian surveyor, Balram, and nine bearers instead of the safer option of sending in his trained Indian surveyors on their own. Adding to the danger of discovery, this months- to years-long journey is fraught with peril and hardship. Some will not survive. Foremost in Balram’s mind is finding his friend who disappeared on a previous expedition for the captain. Meanwhile, Katherine, restless and adventurous, wants to be the first woman to reach Lhasa. Of English and Indian heritage, her darker skin will aid in her disguise as Mani’s Indian mother. Between the two expeditions, the mysterious and enigmatic Chetak quietly appears and disappears.
In alternating chapters, we follow each party, wondering when their paths will cross. Anappara develops her characters slowly and purposely with complexity. Even the captain’s bearers, minor characters, are alive with unique personalities. The captain, oblivious of how ridiculous and transparent his disguise is, displays the typical arrogance of his privilege over Balram and the bearers who serve him, while a grieving Katherine writes unsent letters to her dead sister in Edinburgh and records her journey in her journal. Here we learn of her difficult childhood as a “half-caste” and her struggles to become autonomous in a man’s world. A splendid novel of adventure and remarkable characters.
