Book Review: Escape From Kathmandu

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Escape From Kathmandu     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Kim Stanley Robinson
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Tor, Jun 2000, $13.95, 320 pp.

There are many westerners living in Kathmandu, Nepal. One of the expatriates George Fergusson works as a guide. He receives a letter addressed to George F. After opening his mail, he realizes that the content is intended for the American George “Freds” Fredericks. Soon the two Georges team up to rescue a captured Yeti, sneak into Tibet to aid a llama, and find time to get into other adventures that highlight the stark, beautiful geography of Nepal and Tibet, and the people who reside in the Himalayas.

This book is actually four related novellas that highlight the adventures and misadventures of the two Georges. The title tale and the second story “Mother Goddess of the World” are very exciting otherworldly action thriller with an emphasis on the heroes. The final two tales provide more adventures, but center on the natives and the geography. All four stories are well written, making for an insightful look at the countries at the top of the world.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner