Glimpse of Eternal Snows: A Journey Of Love And Loss In The Himalayas

by Jane Wilson-Howarth

Overview

Set against the backdrop of one of the most colorful countries in the world, A Glimpse of Eternal Snows is an inspiring story of courage, love and a family’s determination to give their child the best life possible. In pulsating, polluted Kathmandu and an idyllic village on a river island at the foot of the Himalayas, ‘Doctor Jane’ and her engineer husband Simon hope to make a difference: Jane to fulfil her vision to heal and advocate for the poor, Simon to avert the floods that threaten to devastate the land every monsoon season. The Nepali people are accepting of whatever fate flings at them and here the family find sanity, compassion and joy with baby David, who in England was little more than an ‘interesting case’.

This is a tale of Himalayan highs and monsoon lows, of cultural complexities, unexpected wildlife and rugged terrain, of vivid color, superstition and spicy smells.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781841624358
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	02/05/2013
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	390
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.00(d)

Read an Excerpt

A group of giggling Nepali mothers gathered around to see my five-week-old: to compare babies. They took him from me and pressed in to see. ‘How beautiful,’ ‘Such soft white skin,’ ‘These little holes in his ears are a gift from heaven.’ This was the first time strangers had admired my new baby, and at that moment I knew that it had been right to flee England.

We had little idea of what the future held. All we knew was that it would be better than submitting to what the Cambridge doctors had planned for our quiet beautiful baby…

… Three-year-old Alexander whooped with delight as water surged onto the bonnet and over the windscreen. His exuberance started little David chuckling, while we gazed out at the exquisite scene of magisterial red silk-cotton trees and sun-orange geese reflected in sparkling river water. Finally, we drove up onto a pristine beach and by a longhouse. Panicking chickens scattered between thatched huts on the edge of Rajapur village, our new home.

Table of Contents

Foreword Most welcome to RajapurNew ArrivalsDisease and disasterDavid-the-interesting-caseEscape to sanityDavid's First TrekThe Clever DoctorsWorse by candlelightA Proper ToiletExploring Our IslandVulturesA Real DoctorArranged MarriageBusiness as usualDust DevilProstitutes and Outcastes Dying for a Glimpse of cool HimalayasThe Hot SeasonThat's life The gods hear better from hereBlood Sacrifice Poor Pooss BabyAnniversary PartyThe Wild WestDoctor last-ditchClinics for the PoorSchool for DavidNew Home in KathmanduOver the Jalja PassExpats and FireworksDavid stands tallRenewalDepartures The Heart SutraAfterword – The National Health Service: a cumbersome beastMapA note on NepaliGlossarySelected BibliographyAcknowledgements

Editorial Reviews

'This is the proverbial "life-changing" book.' The Daily Telegraph

'Jane’s delightful, moving and, for me, fascinating book...appealed to me on many levels, as a parent, as a doctor and as a fellow lover of Nepal and its people.'  Journal of the British Travel Health Association

 “A story of adventure, colour and humanity - a celebration of life, beautifully written. David's differences are woven tenderly within the descriptions of the vibrant Nepalese culture and the family that adored him. It's a story of triumph and a glimpse of eternal snows.' The Sunshine Coast Daily, Queensland

““I've just read 'A Glimpse of Eternal Snows'. It is truly stunning. So many journeys in one book, physical, emotional, spiritual.” Dr. Mary Anderson, The Writer

'This is a moving but incredibly satisfying story, full of sadness and difficult choices.” Good Book Guide

From the Publisher