The Ensemble of Characters

Within the tapestry of this tale, the characters unfold—Buddhist monks, ancient warriors, and sovereigns within their majestic fortresses. Among them, a young apprentice monk seems a mere flicker against the backdrop of towering peaks and the capricious dance of weather.

The Unforgettable Jatsang

Though Sangay, the young yak-herder turned monk, is vividly sketched, it is Jatsang, the enigmatic sorceress, who stands out as a beacon of intrigue on his journey. While in the beginning, Sangay mirrors the other youths of the village and monastery, Jatsang, with her eclectic mix of skills and quirks, outshines everyone in the tale. Though the monks and Abbot have schooled Sangay for seven years, the teachings Jatsang imparts during a brief voyage are profound and transformative.

Sangay's Dual Worlds

Initially, Sangay's days are filled with camaraderie, sharing work and play with his girl cousin Dechen and other novice monks. Kernaghan’s portrayal of these interactions is steeped in authenticity, perhaps drawn from her own experiences as a mother, or a vivid recollection of her own childhood. As the story progresses, Sangay embarks on a path that leads him to encounter more extraordinary beings—bandits, hermits, and mythical entities like yeti and tulpas. Kernaghan masterfully weaves a tapestry of wonder while maintaining a thread of believability.

A Simple Yet Enchanting Life

Home for young Sangay is a sanctuary of warmth and intrigue. Despite bearing more duties than his urban North American counterparts, the responsibilities he shoulders as a young yak-herder are fitting. There remains ample time to frolic with kin, akin to children in contemporary farm families. An enduring motif in the novel is the perennial presence of meaningful work—for daily sustenance, for learning, and even beyond moments of divine insight. The narrative echoes a Zen Buddhist adage: "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water."

The Ties That Bind

Yet, life encompasses more than mere labor, both at home and within the monastery. Sangay's parents not only rely on him but cherish him deeply, bestowing upon him thoughtful, handsome gifts as he departs for the monastery. Their love serves as an enduring beacon, guiding him even from afar. His mentors see him as more than just hands to labor; they nurture his intellect and character, fostering a well-rounded education and moral growth that transcends mere shrine polishing.

The Path of the Monk

Within each family lies a solemn duty and honor to send a son for monastic training. In a land where subsistence is scarce and population growth must be curbed, dedicating many young men to a monastic life serves as both population control and a method of cultivating a standing army. This approach might be one of the gentlest solutions.

The Monastic Training

The rigorous training of a Buddhist monk instills acceptance and obedience, discouraging heroic individualism. Yet, Kernaghan breathes life into her protagonist, portraying him as a steadfast adherent to Buddhist principles, yet capable of decisive, independent action in the face of peril. "And so," Kernaghan remarks in an interview on The Lonely Cry website, "I provided my young hero Sangay with role models in the warrior-monks of bygone eras who took up arms in defense of their land; and as a mentor, the fiercely independent Bon sorceress Jatsang."

Names and Symbolism

For readers familiar with the lofty Himalayas, they will recognize the thoughtful choice of name—Tenzing—akin to Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa guide who, alongside Sir Edmund Hilary, first conquered the summit of Mount Everest.

The Quest for Shambhala

Sangay's odyssey to locate the King of Shambhala mirrors the legendary Quest for the Holy Grail and Percival's tale. It is intriguing how a novel by a Canadian author, which elucidates aspects of Tibetan Buddhism for English-speaking readers, can resonate with traditional elements found in the Grail Quest, an amalgam of Celtic myth and Christian imperialism crafted by authors under Norman French influence. Perhaps the shared intent of enhancing cultural understanding amongst diverse audiences underpins both stories, alongside crafting a riveting adventure narrative.