For many music fans, the music of Hiranya Bhojpure is instantly recognizable, even before his name is. A former band member of the nationally acclaimed ‘Lekali Band’, his creativity extends beyond music. He is known for using his platform to voice the problems of people whose basic rights have been violated. He has also published over a dozen books of poetry, short stories, essays, and children's literature.
‘Aang Sherpa & The Ocean of Heights’ is his latest release. Set in the Himalayan base camp and Everest, the story is inspired by real events and real figures.
There are two ways to approach a book inspired by real incidents. You can dive into the story without prior research, or you can enrich your experience by familiarizing yourself with the events that fueled Bhojpure’s imagination.
The first is the 1996 Sagarmatha disaster. Some sherpas believed that the 1996 climbing season was fated for doom after two climbers had sex in a tent, an act they believed had angered the goddess Chomolunga, revered in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Drawing from this, the main protagonist, Aang Sherpa, is portrayed as someone who indulged in sexual activity at the highest altitude as part of a project by Director Moor—a member of the Australian Climbing Society. This act makes him a celebrated figure in the society, while simultaneously drawing fierce backlash from Nepali communities who view his behavior as a desecration of the sacred mountain. This leaves Aang with two choices: settle into a comfortable life in Australia or return to Nepal and face the consequences.
Though the choice is predictable, it still feels meaningful in how it reflects his values and identity.
Not being able to live without climbing again, he returns to Nepal, knowing he will face a lot of challenges. From giving up his prize money to foregoing a secured future, he accepts everything for the chance of climbing again. Moments like these deepen our understanding the characters, and the tension between cultural values and ambition elevates the storytelling.
One of the novel’s strengths is its information in regards to culture and traditions like the ‘Rakshi Dalle Laddu’. The novel succeeds in showing the hardships that sherpas face during treacherous climbs. Bhojpure’s background as a singer and a poet lends a lyrical rhythm to his prose. The imagery of the mountains and the scenery are vivid throughout.
As this book is Bhojpure’s first attempt at long-form fiction, there are a few problems. The non-linear narrative structure of the novel makes the opening and some middle sections difficult to follow. Outside of Aang Sherpa himself, most characters receive little development, making it hard to feel invested in their choices or the emotional weight of outcomes that involve them.
The book’s ending, too, feels somewhat forced and unnatural. Despite its flaws, the story manages to create a moment of tension during Aang’s return to Nepal. It is also worth noting that since this is Bhuwan Thapaliya’s first attempt at translation, some of the issues with the novel may be associated with translation itself.
Altogether, this book has its own charm and disadvantages. Certain passages of this book are lyrical and beautiful, while others leave the reader confused and disoriented. The plot is creative and entertaining, but the execution feels lacking.
