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The Dragon's Voice: How Modern Media Found Bhutan
This is a fascinating account of ancient culture colliding with modern media. Tucked between Tibet and India in the Himalayas, the kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated and beautiful countries in the world. In The Dragon’s Voice, Australian journalist Bunty Avieson provides a glimpse of life beyond the country’s exotic exterior. As a consultant to local newspaper Bhutan Observer, she admires the paper’s strong social conscience, but finds her expectations challenged in a country where spirituality and personal happiness are prioritized over work. Avieson also witnesses the tensions that arise as a Buddhist kingdom makes the transition to democracy. The courtship ritual of “night-hunting” and the nation’s first public demonstration become controversial news items, while journalists must overcome traditional social hierarchies to keep politicians accountable. With a unique blend of memoir and reportage, The Dragon’s Voice is both a deeply personal story and a vivid portrait of a nation on the cusp of revolutionary change.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 6, 2015
What a wonderful book/ I became interested in Bhutan a few years ago when a friend mentioned that were visiting there. I found this book very easy to read and a joy to read. What a fascinating country to have spent time in and most importantly to know the simple things in life. Media has changed Bhutan but one wonders will it be for the better. Highly recommend this book especially for anyone interested in media and the effects it has.
March 30, 2026
"The arrival of democracy - and the media - means that this social hierarchy is beginning to break down. When journalists wearing humble white shawls ask questions of government ministers in their superior orange shawls, the formality of centuries is turned on its head."
This is the lived story of Bunty Avieson, an Australian journalist working for one of Bhutan's very first newspapers (Buthan Observer) as the country slowly works towards the adoption of democracy and modern media. It explores how the very core of journalistic practice is sometimes at odds with cultural values and ethics in the Buddhist kingdom, while also sharing insights in the day to day life of an expat family living in the country.
The political anthropology and religious studies student in me really enjoyed this read, for it included explorations on the role of government and media on the Bhutanese society and vice versa, while at the same time teaching us readers a lot about (cultural) practices in the country. I enjoyed learning about the concept of 'Night-Hunting', and how it may be perceived differently not only by those from outside Bhutan, but also by those Bhutanese living in the larger cities. Similarly, the concept of Gross National Happiness was interesting. I appreciate the fact that we, at least in the latter part of the book, move a bit beyond the Bhutan as Shangri-La-narrative and see that there are quite a few issues. It somehow made things feel more real. I do have to say that at times I wondered whether some of the writing was not romanticizing things a bit too much, or coming in from a Western perspective too much, but seeing as this is as much a personal story as a narrative of the times, I guess we simply must poke through that.
This is the lived story of Bunty Avieson, an Australian journalist working for one of Bhutan's very first newspapers (Buthan Observer) as the country slowly works towards the adoption of democracy and modern media. It explores how the very core of journalistic practice is sometimes at odds with cultural values and ethics in the Buddhist kingdom, while also sharing insights in the day to day life of an expat family living in the country.
The political anthropology and religious studies student in me really enjoyed this read, for it included explorations on the role of government and media on the Bhutanese society and vice versa, while at the same time teaching us readers a lot about (cultural) practices in the country. I enjoyed learning about the concept of 'Night-Hunting', and how it may be perceived differently not only by those from outside Bhutan, but also by those Bhutanese living in the larger cities. Similarly, the concept of Gross National Happiness was interesting. I appreciate the fact that we, at least in the latter part of the book, move a bit beyond the Bhutan as Shangri-La-narrative and see that there are quite a few issues. It somehow made things feel more real. I do have to say that at times I wondered whether some of the writing was not romanticizing things a bit too much, or coming in from a Western perspective too much, but seeing as this is as much a personal story as a narrative of the times, I guess we simply must poke through that.
December 3, 2017
The book did not really satisfy my expectations as I thought it would be more scholarly study on Bhutan's image in the international media. It turned out to be more kind of travelogue. Luckily, author's unique experience of working in Bhutan weekly newspaper contributed to her ability to narrate stories going beyond common "Shangri-la" image of the country. Still for my taste book is too much romanticising Bhutanese life, only in second half the author is showing more sinister sides of which are hidden to most travellers, thought hardly goes deep into the issues. To my taste the book also contains quite too much personal passages which I don't find relevant to understanding Bhutan. You would probably enjoy the book more if you're Australian like the author. It would also work as a first or second book to read about Bhutan but if you already posses some knowledge of the country, you would find three quarters of the contents redundant.
January 21, 2016
Bhutan is a country that is covered in mystery; barely raising its 'head' from under its cloak. It is an isolated and expensive country for the average person to visit and unless you hold an Indian, Bangladeshi or Maldivian passport, the only way to visit Bhutan is to go on a booked tour, to have a guide and driver, who will escort you to every sight/activity and town. Bhutan does not issue its visas to 'independent' travellers to wander at will around its stunningly beautiful, intriguing, mystical country, that is unless you garner a personal invitation from a Bhutanese person (or company) you have known for a length of time. Because of this, a visit to Bhutan does not enable the average tourist to see the 'real' Bhutan. What is so wonderful about Bunty Avieson's "The Dragon's Voice" is that she quietly and gently lifts the hem of Bhutan's cloak and allows the reader a more in-depth insight of this isolated country.
I devoured this book just prior to my own recent trip to Bhutan and found it fascinating and informative, and I must say delightfully humorous in parts. I loved learning about Bhutan's strong belief in the "Gross National Happiness" doctrine and how it is implemented (and is at times floored) into the country's lifestyle as well as its staunch environmental values, I was intrigued and curious about the strange dating techniques of night hunting and impressed by the clarity and compassion Bunty Avieson showed when describing her observance, understanding and personal experience in challenging the myth that Bhutan is the perfect utopia many in the west believe it to be.
This is a fabulous book, highly recommended to anyone who is thinking of visiting this incredibly stunning country, it will give an invaluable insight to the culture, beliefs and the hidden reality of Bhutan. But even if one is not planning a visit to Bhutan, this book is still a delight to read.
I devoured this book just prior to my own recent trip to Bhutan and found it fascinating and informative, and I must say delightfully humorous in parts. I loved learning about Bhutan's strong belief in the "Gross National Happiness" doctrine and how it is implemented (and is at times floored) into the country's lifestyle as well as its staunch environmental values, I was intrigued and curious about the strange dating techniques of night hunting and impressed by the clarity and compassion Bunty Avieson showed when describing her observance, understanding and personal experience in challenging the myth that Bhutan is the perfect utopia many in the west believe it to be.
This is a fabulous book, highly recommended to anyone who is thinking of visiting this incredibly stunning country, it will give an invaluable insight to the culture, beliefs and the hidden reality of Bhutan. But even if one is not planning a visit to Bhutan, this book is still a delight to read.
July 12, 2015
Bunty Avieson and her husband, two Australians, are not new to Bhutan. They had both been there when making a film, Travellers and Magicians. That time she cared for their young daughter. This time brings he is the carer of their daughter. Bunty is invited back to help on the country's first non-government weekly newspaper as the fourth King modernises Bhutan by opening up media opportunities. This is the story of her work with this newspaper helping to train journalists plus describing the very different take on life that the Bhutanese have and how it influences the news. A charming and heart-warming story. Brought back so many memories of our wonderful trip to Bhutan.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews