Glory is a whimsical thing and no one knows who it will strike. It is a marvel how a poor isolated mountain tribe was made a household word-how the Sherpas became THE Sherpas. Of course they unquestionably deserve it but many others equally deserving were ignored. But that is how life works and the Sherpas are not to be begrudged their glory. They have certainly worked hard for it.
The Sherpas are a border people filtering between Tibet and Nepal. Their chance came from the curious fact that rich Europeans like to climb mountains. It was found that the Sherpas hardihood made them ideal for porters.
The book gives a number of famous Sherpas. But the star is Tenzing Norgay . His was a true Horatio Alger story. Born a Tibetan serf he ran away to find a better life. It was thus he found his vocation, and made himself world famous.
The book is a cheerful book and pleasantly few axes to grind. Unfortunately there are enough real complaints the Sherpas might have, to be sure. Explorers have long tended to take their native hirelings for granted and the Sherpas were at first no exception. However by their skill and dedication the Sherpas earned the immense respect of their employers and the rest of the world.
The tale of Everest from the Sherpas point of view is one that needs to be brought out. Thankfully it was and this book is worthy of your time.
It is a grand tribute to those gallant people, the Sherpas.
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