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Take it backSir Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary
July 20, 1919 – January 11, 2008
Last week, one of the greatest explorers and adventurers of our time, Sir Edmund Hillary passed away.
In an age without goretex and spring-loaded cams, he and Tenzing Norgay managed to climb Everest against all odds.
As a mountaineer, I am still in awe of the climbs that they accomplished during a time when things must have seen a lot harder, and Everest a lot taller than it is today. In fact, for the longest time, I had a poster of the Hillary Step in my room that reminded me every day of perseverance and the motto “Carpe Diem” — seize the day, while you still can.
More importantly, Sir Hillary embodied a sheer force of will, respect for the outdoors and for other climbers — something that is sorely missing in a lot of today’s adventurers.
So here’s to Sir Edmund Hillary. Way to climb, just for the hell of it.
Linda LeBlanc Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:18 am
I had the privilege of meeting Sir Edmund Hillary twice, once in Colorado and once in Namche in the Everest region where I used to lead treks to the base camp. He dedicated his life to helping the Sherpas who were such a critical part of his first ascent. Beyond the Summit is the first work to dramatize their lives in fiction. Hillary’s work in the area is mentioned frequently as well as his climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay.
Details of Sherpa culture and religion are interwoven in a tale of romance and high adventure. The story has something for everyone: a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide, conflict between generations as the modern world challenges centuries of tradition, an expedition from the porter’s point of view.
Below are selections from reviews. To read the complete ones and excerpts go to [www] beyondthesummit-novel.com
Beyond the Summit, is the rare gem that shows us the triumphs and challenges of a major climb from the porter’s point of view. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers through harshly beautiful and highly dangerous territory to the roof of the world. Malcolm Campbell, book reviewer
Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph. LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters. I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.
Richard Blake for Readers Views.
A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living in the shadows of Everest. EverestNews.com
A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Midwest Book Review
LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains. Boulder Daily Camera
LeBlanc’s vivid description of the Himalayas and the climbing culture makes this a powerful read. Rocky Mt News Pick of the Week
A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there. USABookNews.com
This is the book to read before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended.”
– John (college professor)
Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialogue. Literary Cafe Host, Healdsburg, CA
This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The love story will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. Wick Downing, author of nine novels
Such vividly depicted images of the Everest region and the Sherpa people are the perfect scenario for the romance and adventure feats narrated. It’s a page-turner, so engrossing you end up wanting to visit Nepal! Not just novel, but perfect for those seeking to get acquainted with the culture of this country.
By Claudia Fournier (América, Bs. As., Argentina)
Available through Barnes and Noble, Borders, amazon.com, Chesslerbooks.com, and the web site
Milorad Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 2:23 am
Good on Eddie, what a total hero and a gentle soul as well. He will forever be a part of history, but perhaps more importantly, his humanitarian efforts will continue to bear fruit well into the future.
RIP.
Karthik Narayanaswami Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
@ Milorad -
Absolutely. He’s done so much for the sherpas and for that general region of the world when nobody else seemed to care.
You know, it’s almost sad that the calibre of men today do not seem to match up to folks like Sir Hillary.