Xinran is a Chinese journalist and talkback radio presenter, and in the course of her work it was suggested she meet a woman called Shu Wen, who had just returned to China following a long odyssey in Tibet. The result of this interview is a powerful and heartwrenching tale of unmitigated love and devotion as Shu Wen recounts her 30 year journey in the harshest of environments, to discover the truth about her lost husband of three weeks.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shu Wen's journey and the insights into the life and culture of Tibet - a land I know very little about. My only minor criticism of the book, is the way the author occasionally interrupted the story to explain a break in the interview or add some additional information. I found this disruptive to the flow of the story, and although it reminded me that this is a memoir based upon an interview, I found it unnecessary.

This aside, a most enriching book. A lovely story of love and loss and heroism. Shu Wen is an incredibly courageous woman and I found her experiences both inspiring and uplifting - and I am so glad she shared her remarkable journey with me through Xinran.