Amazon.com: The Voice that Remembers: A Tibetan Woman's Inspiring Story of Survival (9780861711499): His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Blakeslee, Joy, Blakeslee, Joy: Books
When Adhe Tapontsang--or Ama (Mother) Adhe, as she is affectionately known--left Tibet in 1987, she was allowed to do so on the condition that she remain silent about her twenty-seven years in Chinese prisons. Yet she made a promise to herself and to the many that did not survive: she would not let the truth about China's occupation go unheard or unchallenged.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"With so much of Tibetan history recently lost, this book's achievement is to capture the details of Tibet's agony in a remote corner of our land. I was also born in that remote corner, and Ama Adhe brings to life the spirit there that China tried to wipe out." -- Lodi Gyari, President, International Campaign for Tibet
"A riveting account of the desecration of a culture, a religion, a family and a landscape." -- Mickey Spiegel, Human Rights Watch
"A moving testimony which serves to further international awareness and understanding. This book must be read." ― Amnesty International
"Ama Adhe's moving account of the Chinese invasion of Tibet and her 27-year imprisonment is both deeply disturbing and inspiring. In striking contrast to her horrific experiences as a prisoner, the tone of her narrative is calm and matter-of-fact. As the title suggests, this book is not only about Adhe but also about remembering those who did not survive... Her story is also the story of Tibet as a country and the desperate struggle to save its culture and religion from destruction." ― Manoa: Song of the Snow Lion
"Highly recommended reading... the 'stories of imprisonment,' apart from their important function of exposing the cruelties the Chinese inflicted (and are still inflicting) on the Tibetan populace, can also provide us with a source of tremendous inspiration: the strength of the human spirit demonstrated by Ama Adhe in her account is truly admirable and can act as a model of determination and courage for others." ― Tibet Journal
"The story of a woman who sustained her human dignity, integrity, and compassion in the face of immense degradation and suffering... both compelling and inspiring." ― Feminist Bookstore News
"I have never read a book as terrifying and inspiring in my life. A Tibetan woman's account of twenty-seven years of torture in labor camps for resisting China's occupation of her homeland. Ama Adhe describes--with unutterable calm--acts of unthinkable evil, and the unwavering spirit of the woman who withstood them." ― Psychology Today
"A captivating story and testimony to the powers of the human will." ― Virginia Quarterly Review
"A searing tale." ― Booklist
"Adhe's early autobiographical accounts of being raised in the Tibetan culture are most rare and precious, but history forces her account to turn to documentation of the first wave of Communist troops in 1950. Though not graphic in its detail, the sheer weight of her list of atrocities is deeply moving. Ama Adhe has provided a sound foundation for the building of truth." ― Parabola Magazine
When Adhe Tapontsang--or Ama (Mother) Adhe, as she is affectionately known--left Tibet in 1987, she was allowed to do so on the condition that she remain silent about her twenty-seven years in Chinese prisons. Yet she made a promise to herself and to the many that did not survive: she would not let the truth about China's occupation go unheard or unchallenged.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"With so much of Tibetan history recently lost, this book's achievement is to capture the details of Tibet's agony in a remote corner of our land. I was also born in that remote corner, and Ama Adhe brings to life the spirit there that China tried to wipe out." -- Lodi Gyari, President, International Campaign for Tibet
"A riveting account of the desecration of a culture, a religion, a family and a landscape." -- Mickey Spiegel, Human Rights Watch
"A moving testimony which serves to further international awareness and understanding. This book must be read." ― Amnesty International
"Ama Adhe's moving account of the Chinese invasion of Tibet and her 27-year imprisonment is both deeply disturbing and inspiring. In striking contrast to her horrific experiences as a prisoner, the tone of her narrative is calm and matter-of-fact. As the title suggests, this book is not only about Adhe but also about remembering those who did not survive... Her story is also the story of Tibet as a country and the desperate struggle to save its culture and religion from destruction." ― Manoa: Song of the Snow Lion
"Highly recommended reading... the 'stories of imprisonment,' apart from their important function of exposing the cruelties the Chinese inflicted (and are still inflicting) on the Tibetan populace, can also provide us with a source of tremendous inspiration: the strength of the human spirit demonstrated by Ama Adhe in her account is truly admirable and can act as a model of determination and courage for others." ― Tibet Journal
"The story of a woman who sustained her human dignity, integrity, and compassion in the face of immense degradation and suffering... both compelling and inspiring." ― Feminist Bookstore News
"I have never read a book as terrifying and inspiring in my life. A Tibetan woman's account of twenty-seven years of torture in labor camps for resisting China's occupation of her homeland. Ama Adhe describes--with unutterable calm--acts of unthinkable evil, and the unwavering spirit of the woman who withstood them." ― Psychology Today
"A captivating story and testimony to the powers of the human will." ― Virginia Quarterly Review
"A searing tale." ― Booklist
"Adhe's early autobiographical accounts of being raised in the Tibetan culture are most rare and precious, but history forces her account to turn to documentation of the first wave of Communist troops in 1950. Though not graphic in its detail, the sheer weight of her list of atrocities is deeply moving. Ama Adhe has provided a sound foundation for the building of truth." ― Parabola Magazine
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About the Author
Ama Adhe Tapontsang is a native of the Kham region of eastern Tibet, where she spent a happy childhood, and is an activist dedicated to securing the much-needed freedom of her country. Imprisoned for twenty-seven years for her resistance activities following the invasion of her country by the Chinese Communists in the 1950s, she faced inhuman torture and deprivation. Following her release, she left in 1987 for India, where she now lives in Dharamsala. The Voice That Remembers is the story of her life.
Joy Blakeslee, M.A. Ed, J.D., is a writer and teacher who specializes in human rights, history, and literacy. Blakeslee has worked in civil rights law, as a teacher for the New York Department of Education, and as an independent researcher. She has visited India many times, and is profoundly impressed by the strength, determination, and spirituality of the Tibetan people. She is currently co-writing a book with Dr. Gloria Frelix about post-Civil Rights era Mississippi, and corporate, environmental racism. Blakeslee lives in Florida.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto, “My religion is kindness.”
Read more
Product details
Publisher : Wisdom Publications; 2nd edition (April 1, 1999)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 0861711491
ISBN-13 : 978-0861711499
Item Weight : 13.9 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.75 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,563,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#379 in Dalai Lama
#537 in Historical China Biographies
#820 in Chinese Biographies
Customer Reviews:
4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
stardance
4.0 out of 5 stars Have been reading it daily, however, find it ...Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2015
Verified Purchase
Have been reading it daily, however, find it difficult to imagine the suffering and torture that she was able to endure. Remarkable to be mindful of the attrocities of war...the jewish people during World War II, native americans during the 1700-1800's and African americans ongoing in this country, now Russia, Poland, Middle East it becomes overwhelming at times. Why do we continue to kill each other? What do we gain from all this? Ane is inspiration.
2 people found this helpful
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SunshineDreams
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible StoryReviewed in the United States on April 3, 2017
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A truly amazing and inspiring story of this woman's fight to survive. Get out the tissues for this one. Very moving and still relevant today.
2 people found this helpful
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Patricia A. Schauer
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book!Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2014
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I was transfixed by the courage & tenacity of a woman who portrays herself as a simple peasant but, in reality, is a strong, religious & self-willed heroine. The cruelty & single-mindedness of the Chinese against the Tibetans is a reminder that Hitler was only one in a line of unbelievably hateful people who should be crushed out by the rest of the world. That Hitler, Hussein & the like can carry out genocide in plain sight is shameful. How can this be allowed?
One person found this helpful
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Johanne Gregory
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2016
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Unbelievable story. Great read.
One person found this helpful
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derek
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
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Great book
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Alesha Angulo
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on February 18, 2016
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good book
One person found this helpful
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John Kittridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly inspiringReviewed in the United States on December 27, 2003
This is a very powerful and moving account of one woman's life of incredible hardship and suffering, a personal view of the systematic destrucion of Tibet. Ama-la lost her family, her friends, her country. But, despite experiencing the horrors of the Tibetan holocaust, she held on to her identity, her dignity, and her compassion.
Ama-la's sincere good-heartedness, rooted in the heart of Tibetan culture, triumphs in the end over the inhumanity unleashed by Mao's China. Prison, privation, and state-sponsored brutality fail to undermine this amazing woman's sense of what it means to be a decent human being. Here is a role model for everyone, everywhere.
The basic goodness of this remarkable woman is conveyed perfectly in this simple, honest narrative. This is a story that one finds difficult to turn away from. Ama Adhe is a person the reader will care about deeply after reading this book.
Ama-la survived to remind us that more than a million Tibetans did not. I hope that readers will be inspired to look learn more about this monumental tragedy, one which continues to this day.
7 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Stephen
4.0 out of 5 stars Women and Tibetan FreedomReviewed in the United States on July 9, 2001
I have read a number of books on Tibet, but this was the first from a womans point of view. To learn not only about women in Tibet but women in general was very educational. Being one of very very few to survive her prison ordeal Ama has taken the task of sharing the story of many of her dead friends. The attrocities have been played down to some extent, compared to other books I have read. Good for the sensative but curriouse reader. Worth while.
8 people found this helpful
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Grylla S. Noab
4.0 out of 5 stars This woman should be given the Nobel Peace PrizeReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
An important book that makes the reader feel astounded at the sheer goodness and resilience of at least some human beings. Ama Adhe ought to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Report abuse
Micphil
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2015
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Ok
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CM83
5.0 out of 5 stars ergreifendReviewed in Germany on December 13, 2011
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Dieses Buch lässt einen neue Aspekte des Chinesisch-Tibetischen Konflikts erkennen. Besonders für diejenigen, die schon in Tibet waren oder dorthin reisen wollen- eine zu empfehlende Lektüre. Das Buch lässt einen weinen und still werden. Es kommt Wut auf, aber auch der tiefe Respekt vor so authentisch gelebtem Glauben. Ein ergreifendes Zeugnis, das für sich spricht und hoffentlich nicht unverändert lässt. Eine Biographie die mich aufgerüttelt hat und nicht mehr loslässt.
About the Author
Ama Adhe Tapontsang is a native of the Kham region of eastern Tibet, where she spent a happy childhood, and is an activist dedicated to securing the much-needed freedom of her country. Imprisoned for twenty-seven years for her resistance activities following the invasion of her country by the Chinese Communists in the 1950s, she faced inhuman torture and deprivation. Following her release, she left in 1987 for India, where she now lives in Dharamsala. The Voice That Remembers is the story of her life.
Joy Blakeslee, M.A. Ed, J.D., is a writer and teacher who specializes in human rights, history, and literacy. Blakeslee has worked in civil rights law, as a teacher for the New York Department of Education, and as an independent researcher. She has visited India many times, and is profoundly impressed by the strength, determination, and spirituality of the Tibetan people. She is currently co-writing a book with Dr. Gloria Frelix about post-Civil Rights era Mississippi, and corporate, environmental racism. Blakeslee lives in Florida.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto, “My religion is kindness.”
Read more
Product details
Publisher : Wisdom Publications; 2nd edition (April 1, 1999)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 0861711491
ISBN-13 : 978-0861711499
Item Weight : 13.9 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.75 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,563,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#379 in Dalai Lama
#537 in Historical China Biographies
#820 in Chinese Biographies
Customer Reviews:
4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
stardance
4.0 out of 5 stars Have been reading it daily, however, find it ...Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2015
Verified Purchase
Have been reading it daily, however, find it difficult to imagine the suffering and torture that she was able to endure. Remarkable to be mindful of the attrocities of war...the jewish people during World War II, native americans during the 1700-1800's and African americans ongoing in this country, now Russia, Poland, Middle East it becomes overwhelming at times. Why do we continue to kill each other? What do we gain from all this? Ane is inspiration.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
SunshineDreams
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible StoryReviewed in the United States on April 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
A truly amazing and inspiring story of this woman's fight to survive. Get out the tissues for this one. Very moving and still relevant today.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Patricia A. Schauer
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book!Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
I was transfixed by the courage & tenacity of a woman who portrays herself as a simple peasant but, in reality, is a strong, religious & self-willed heroine. The cruelty & single-mindedness of the Chinese against the Tibetans is a reminder that Hitler was only one in a line of unbelievably hateful people who should be crushed out by the rest of the world. That Hitler, Hussein & the like can carry out genocide in plain sight is shameful. How can this be allowed?
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Johanne Gregory
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
Unbelievable story. Great read.
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
derek
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great book
HelpfulReport abuse
Alesha Angulo
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on February 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
good book
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
John Kittridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly inspiringReviewed in the United States on December 27, 2003
This is a very powerful and moving account of one woman's life of incredible hardship and suffering, a personal view of the systematic destrucion of Tibet. Ama-la lost her family, her friends, her country. But, despite experiencing the horrors of the Tibetan holocaust, she held on to her identity, her dignity, and her compassion.
Ama-la's sincere good-heartedness, rooted in the heart of Tibetan culture, triumphs in the end over the inhumanity unleashed by Mao's China. Prison, privation, and state-sponsored brutality fail to undermine this amazing woman's sense of what it means to be a decent human being. Here is a role model for everyone, everywhere.
The basic goodness of this remarkable woman is conveyed perfectly in this simple, honest narrative. This is a story that one finds difficult to turn away from. Ama Adhe is a person the reader will care about deeply after reading this book.
Ama-la survived to remind us that more than a million Tibetans did not. I hope that readers will be inspired to look learn more about this monumental tragedy, one which continues to this day.
7 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Stephen
4.0 out of 5 stars Women and Tibetan FreedomReviewed in the United States on July 9, 2001
I have read a number of books on Tibet, but this was the first from a womans point of view. To learn not only about women in Tibet but women in general was very educational. Being one of very very few to survive her prison ordeal Ama has taken the task of sharing the story of many of her dead friends. The attrocities have been played down to some extent, compared to other books I have read. Good for the sensative but curriouse reader. Worth while.
8 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
See all reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Translate all reviews to English
Grylla S. Noab
4.0 out of 5 stars This woman should be given the Nobel Peace PrizeReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
An important book that makes the reader feel astounded at the sheer goodness and resilience of at least some human beings. Ama Adhe ought to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Report abuse
Micphil
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
Ok
Report abuse
CM83
5.0 out of 5 stars ergreifendReviewed in Germany on December 13, 2011
Verified Purchase
Dieses Buch lässt einen neue Aspekte des Chinesisch-Tibetischen Konflikts erkennen. Besonders für diejenigen, die schon in Tibet waren oder dorthin reisen wollen- eine zu empfehlende Lektüre. Das Buch lässt einen weinen und still werden. Es kommt Wut auf, aber auch der tiefe Respekt vor so authentisch gelebtem Glauben. Ein ergreifendes Zeugnis, das für sich spricht und hoffentlich nicht unverändert lässt. Eine Biographie die mich aufgerüttelt hat und nicht mehr loslässt.
This book reveals a new aspect of the Sino-Tibetan conflict. Particularly for those who have already been to Tibet or want to travel there - recommended reading. The book makes you cry and become still. Anger arises, but also the deep respect for such authentically lived faith. A moving testimony that speaks for itself and hopefully will not leave unchanged. A biography that shook me up and never lets go.
Report abuse
Translate review to English
John Kittridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly inspiringReviewed in Canada on December 27, 2003
Verified Purchase
This is a very powerful and moving account of one woman's life of incredible hardship and suffering, a personal view of the systematic destrucion of Tibet. Ama-la lost her family, her friends, her country. But, despite experiencing the horrors of the Tibetan holocaust, she held on to her identity, her dignity, and her compassion.
Ama-la's sincere good-heartedness, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture, triumphs in the end over the inhumanity unleashed on Tibet by Mao's China. Prison, privation, and state-sponsored brutality fail to undermine this amazing woman's sense of what it means to be a decent human being. Here is a role model for everyone, everywhere.
The basic goodness of this remarkable woman is conveyed perfectly in this simple, honest narrative. This is a story that one finds difficult to turn away from. Ama Adhe is a person the reader will care about deeply after reading this book.
Ama-la survived to remind us that more than a million Tibetans did not. I hope that readers will be inspired to look learn more about this monumental tragedy, one which continues to this day.
Read less
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