Hello my dear readers,
Here I am, with my sixth book read this year!
My book # 6 of 2025 was The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Author: | Fiona Valpy |
| Originally Published: | September 2024 |
| Print Length: | 309 pages |
Book Summary:
Two Women, Two Eras, One Unforgettable Journey
In 1927, Violet Mackenzie-Grant sets out to pursue her passion at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women. Little does she know, her path will lead her far beyond Scotland—to the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, where she immerses herself in a world unlike anything she has ever known.
Nearly a century later, in 2020, Daisy Laverock is captivated by her great-great-aunt Violet’s long-lost journals, filled with tales of daring plant-hunting expeditions in the 1930s. Inspired by Violet’s adventurous spirit and facing a turning point in her own life, Daisy sets out on a journey to Nepal, eager to follow in her ancestor’s footsteps. But just as she begins her trek in the shadow of Everest, the world is thrown into chaos as a global pandemic unfolds.
Stranded and uncertain, Daisy must rely on the kindness of strangers, drawing strength from Violet’s resilience as she unravels hidden family secrets. As past and present intertwine, will Daisy find the answers she seeks—and, more importantly, a new direction for her own future?
My Review:
This is the second book I’ve read by Fiona Valpy, and I’m absolutely in love with her writing. Her storytelling has a way of drawing me in completely, making me feel as though I’m right there with the characters, experiencing their journeys firsthand.
The first book I read by Fiona Valpy was The Beekeeper’s Promise. You can check out my review below! 📖✨
Books have a magical way of transporting me to places I might never get to experience firsthand, and The Sky Beneath Us did exactly that. Through its pages, I journeyed to Nepal, immersing myself in the fascinating culture of the Sherpa people. I was captivated by the diverse climates of the region and amazed to learn about the rich history of flowering plants, medicinal herbs, and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mount Everest.
This story resonates deeply—it’s about resilience, passion, and the determination of those who strive to make the world better for future generations. It also reflects on the challenges brought by the global pandemic and the urgent need to prepare for an ever-changing world.
The author’s extensive research and personal travels through Kathmandu and beyond shine through, making the characters’ experiences feel incredibly authentic. I could vividly picture them navigating the rugged terrain, learning from the locals who not only survive but thrive in conditions many of us would find unimaginable.
Here are some of my favorite paragraphs:
…life falls apart; and maybe some things can’t be mended, but perhaps they can be reshaped into something even more beautiful.
Sometimes you just have to throw your heart into the river of life and dive in after it.
‘If we can let go of the thoughts that are keeping us trapped, stop fighting with them and struggling against them, we will soar upwards, where the currents take us.’
It’s the love in our hearts that makes us invincible
‘Buddha say three kinds of people. First kind have mind like rock: thoughts are carved there, like on mani stones. Stay angry or sad or frightened a long time. Second kind have mind like sand: anger, sadness written there but pass away quickly as sand shifts. Third kind most pure and undisturbed: mind like water. Thoughts never can be written there, just flow through. Mind like water best. Let thoughts pass through. Doesn’t mean don’t be thinking them, just not holding on to them.
A truly moving and beautifully written novel—I highly recommend it!
Now onto my seventh book of the year—let’s see what surprises it has in store!
Happy Readings!
Leave a Reply to hitandrun1964Cancel reply