A Story of Karma
Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya
by Michael Schauch
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Pub Date Sep 04 2020 | Archive Date Aug 15 2021
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Description
“An inspiration to all as we set out again to explore the world of spirit, culture and adventure.”
— Wade Davis, author of several books including Magdalena: River of Dreams, and Into the Silence
"An intriguing tale that entwines exploration and education. Schauch has a lively and involving narrative voice, and he’s adept at conveying the combination of detail and wonder that one looks for in the best travel writing."
—Kirkus Reviews
“A Story of Karma is a heartwarming and touching tale about fate and what happens when you let go and follow your heart into the unknown. I'm sure anyone who reads this book will feel as moved as I did. Frankly, this well-written tale of adventure and discovery comes at the perfect time. As most of us are prevented from traveling, this book made me feel like I had been almost to the ends of the Earth. I enjoyed every bit of the journey. “
— Susan Miller, Portland Book Review
In 2012, Michael Schauch and his wife, Chantal, undertook an expedition deep in the Himalaya of northern Nepal, into a remote valley that had been closed off to outsiders for decades. They led a team of artists (a photographer, a musician, and a painter), with the objective of capturing a moment in time through their unique lenses. As a mountaineering fanatic, Michael had a second (and less conspicuous) goal to climb an unknown mountain he had only identified through a photograph. What unfolded in the mountains forced him to question his values and his own identity, and eventually resulted in meeting a little girl, which was the most profound encounter of his life. Little did either know that from that moment they would completely change the trajectory of each other’s life.
A Story of Karma recounts this journey, and the years that follow as Karma (the little girl), and Michael and Chantal grow their lives together amidst the confusing dichotomies and backdrop of Karma’s 17th-century Himalayan village; the impoverished and polluted Kathmandu; and the modern world of Vancouver, Canada.Advance Praise
"Each word ushers you deeper into an external journey to the Himalaya and an internal journey to the heart. Schauch's masterful storytelling transports you to a healing realm where external and internal distinctions dissolve in the beauty of embodied love. Not only is this a tale of transformation for Schauch, the reader, too, is transformed."
— Paula Arai, Ph.D., author of Painting Enlightenment, Bringing Zen Home, and Women Living Zen
“Martin Buber, the Israeli philosopher and mystic, has said that "All journeys have destinations of which the traveller is unaware." This is nowhere more true than in the riveting new book by Michael Schauch entitled A Story of Karma. Schauch takes us deep into the natural, cultural, and spiritual mysteries of the Himalayas of Northern Nepal, where we are dazzled by his storytelling, his fearlessness, and his wide-open heart. The tale will have you on the edge of your seat with awe. I've already been compelled to read it twice!”
— Stephen Cope, bestselling author of many books, including The Great Work of Your Life, and Soul Friends
“Michael Schauch’s vividly descriptive writing will transport you to a remote Himalayan village and leave you with the taste of yak butter tea on your tongue and the odour of dung-fuelled fires in your clothing. A Story of Karma is a thoughtful and passionate meditation on privilege and poverty, consumerism and spirituality, fate and chance, individualism and community. Above all else, this story is a testament to the power each and every one of us has to generate meaningful and lasting change in our beleaguered world.”
— Jan Redford, author of End of the Rope: Mountains, Marriage, and Motherhood
It's absolutely beautifully written. The attention to detail, the turn of phrase, it's absolutely lovely. I was completely entranced. I put down my "for fun" book until this one was done. It's got about half a package of sticky flags sticking out of it because so many things caught my attention. If you want beauty and travel and escapism, this one is so worth it! If you enjoyed Lost Horizon by James Hilton, you will fall into this book. Schauch's ability to turn a phrase makes you feel like you're right there with him. I'm completely torn between sending it to my Mom to read and just waiting to buy her a copy when it comes out because I don't want to let it go but I know she will absolutely love it.
— Goodreads Reviewer
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781771604673 |
| PRICE | $25.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 328 |
Featured Reviews
Anna J, Reviewer
A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya
A truly beautiful and inspiring story.
Loved the travel and adventure aspects to this book, beautiful description of trekking in the mountains and of the people they met on their journey. Written in a style that draws the reader in and makes them want to join the party, especially with the wonderful musician. I can only imagine the joy he brought to the people they met and I felt it was reciprocated by the locals.
The second half of the book follows the journey of first one, then two girls (sisters) lives and how a chance meeting leads to a magical relationship between families, across continents and spanning worlds. The trust shown by the family in the two strangers who arrive and make huge promises is heart warming and following the progression makes for an inspirational read.
I was gripped by the book throughout and simply couldn’t put it down. It was a joy to read and I hope there will be another book to continue the story as the girls grow up. There is little doubt that they will make an enormous success of whatever they choose to do, given their drive, determination and acceptance of life’s challenges and possibilities.
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