We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies is a historical fiction debut novel written by Tibetan writer Tsering Yangzom Lama. It was published by Bloomsbury Publishing in 2022. The author writes about the lives of Tibetans living in exile and their immigrant experiences in Nepal and Canada. It highlights the annexation of Tibet and their displacement while exploring their history and mysticism in the culture. The book was longlisted for several awards and was among the New York Times Summer Reads Picks.
The story opens in 1959 during the annexation of Tibet by the Chinese military followed by the persecution of the Tibetans. It follows two sisters, Lhamo and Tenkyi after their parents die while fleeing to Nepal for the refugee camps. Years later, living in the tent city, Tenkyi manages to leave for further studies in India following Lhamo’s advice. Though she returns without accomplishing her set goals she moves to Canada for better prospects. Meanwhile, Lhamo remains in the camps trying to reestablish the life and culture that was lost during their exile. She encounters Samphel who gives her hope and meets again years later leading to the birth of her daughter Dolma. After several years she sends Dolma to Toronto to live with Tenkyi in order to pursue her education. Through Dolma, the narrative takes a different perspective toward the rediscovery of Tibetan culture through a sacred relic that has been in their family.
The book focuses on the evolution of the Tibetan culture among the expatriates maintaining their identity after displacement. The Toronto Star said: “Lama’s tale captures the essence of a deracinated people whose plight is frequently mentioned but never remedied…Lama has packed a whole lot into her tale, sharing with her readers the frightening realities of invasion and flight, the unexpected sweetness of romance, and the outrages of cultural appropriation.”
