“Far from the Rooftop of the World: Travels Among Tibetan Refugees on Four Continents” by Amy Yee is a book that delves into the lives of Tibetans living in exile following the Chinese government’s crackdown on protests in Tibet in 2008. The author, a journalist, shares her journey that began when she covered a press conference with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, where he resides in exile.

Unexpectedly inspired by her encounter with the Dalai Lama, Yee embarks on a global, fourteen-year journey to highlight the stories of Tibetans in exile. The book documents the lives of ordinary yet remarkable individuals, such as a monk named Topden, an unlikely veterinary assistant; Norbu, a chef and political refugee; and a couple named Deckyi and Dhondup, who were forced to leave their middle-class lives in Lhasa.

The narrative follows these individuals as they navigate life between worlds, moving to various parts of India and across oceans to different continents. Despite the challenges, they forge new lives while steadfastly maintaining their Tibetan identity and culture. Through these stories, the book explores themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and the human connections that transcend geographic boundaries. Amy Yee’s work serves as a testament to the strength of the Tibetan diaspora and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of displacement.