Song of the Snow Lion: New Writing from Tibet (Manoa 12:2)

Since China's invasion of their country in 1950 and the suffering brought about by the Cultural Revolution, Tibetans have struggled to prevent their ancient culture and country from disappearing. At the same time, many Tibetans recognize that modernization in some form must come. Out of such difficult political conditions and cultural paradoxes, Tibetan authors have developed a literature that, despite Chinese censorship, explores the pressing questions facing their country today. The authors in the feature include Tashi Dawa, Sebo, Tig Ta, Tashi Pelden, Alai, and Geyang. In addition, there are works by Yandon, the first Tibetan woman to publish a novel; poet and novelist Meizhuo, a woman of extraordinary range; and Dhondup Gyal, considered the founder of modern Tibetan writing. An overview essay by Tsering Shakya explains the rise of a modern Tibetan literature.