Other side of the Paradise

Human being, by nature, regards his or her place of birth as paradise. Pemba, a Sherpa and the protagonist of Other Side of Paradise, too regards Nepal as his paradise. But when he moves to America after a lot of struggle and achieved his "American Dream", he becomes deeply aware of the inevitable cultural shock, hybridization of food, language and social circumstances.

Like Pemba, an entire generation of Nepali youths believes that America is the 'other side of paradise' and wants to migrate and live there. Linda, from California, on the other hand, has strong conviction that Nepal is the other side of paradise after her Mount Everest area trekking.

Pemba, working as a trekking help, falls in love with gorgeous, articulate, educated and unusually attractive Linda during the trekking. Pemba moves to America on a fiancé visa, gets married with Linda and enjoys a European honeymoon trip.

Almost immediately after the honeymoon, Pemba is shocked to receive a divorce paper from Linda. The revelation traumatizes and shatters Pemba. He falls into a spell of deep depression, and as per guardian angel's vision, takes refuge in an Amish Community.

The Westerners find it strange that Eastern marriages, arranged and executed between two unknown people without dates last lifelong, compared to the Western marriages with long dating culture and divorce-a fact that pandemics the American society taking its divorce rate to near fifty percent.

People seek to move to higher levels of consciousness and look for celestial, spiritual peace in life. This book analyses several international characters while simultaneously taking readers on a wild ride through the mountains of Nepal and across many continents. The author's captivating narration and sensitivity allow his character to come alive.

The author explores two cultures: the virtually unknown Amish Community in America that has a perception and lifestyle like that of the Buddhists, and the other Nepali Community that has deep connections and striking similarities with Greek and Hindu pantheons. This comprehensive expanse of the book and its philosophical engagements create deep sense of inquisition in the mind of the reader and keep them glued to the development of the subject. They will find the book written with passion, blending powerful language and lofty imagination.

Author: Kenny Pandey
Weight: 400 grams approx