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Publication Date: March 24, 2023
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Genre: Nonfiction – Memoir
ISBN: 978-1639887651
List Price: $20.00 Trade Paperback
Page Count: 456
Distribution: Ingram
Not long after her last visit (the sixth) to the Himalayan country, Kamal returns to Nepal once again, hoping to find peace and clarity after her separation from her emotionally abusive husband in Thailand. But with the COVID-19 pandemic concerting its grip on the nation, she becomes stranded, unable to return to Thailand. She finds solace and comfort with one of the Nepalese “brothers” she has met earlier during her time in Nepal. Many years younger and the owner of a small trekking and expedition firm, Arjun turned out to be a love match. As they embark on their unconventional journey of love, there are moments of passion, doubt, joy, and small sorrows. But the relationship goes so well that the reader keeps waiting for it to crash, right up until they are finally together in the end having overcome all the difficulties. The memoir deftly captures the Nepalese customs, culture, and traditions within its pages, showcasing the unmatched beauty of the majestic Himalayas while never sugarcoating the prevalent corrupt political practices among the bureaucracy in the nation (despite the policy that foreign nationals cannot open a bank account, the author succeeds in obtaining a bank account complete with passbook and ATM card). At the same time, the book subtly explores the intricacies of love and relationships, second chances, mistakes, regrets, and self-discovery while delving into the tumultuous period of COVID lockdown. Both a travelogue and an insightful memoir about finding love and happiness during the COVID lockdown, this is a must-read.
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