The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy

*** Review ***

Sometimes I choose my books by the cover, and the moment I laid eyes on The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy, I knew I was in for an adventure. With prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of a Himalayan peak, the cover alone sent my imagination soaring. Little did I know that within its pages lay a tale that would transport me from the Scottish landscapes to the majestic heights of Nepal, weaving together the stories of two remarkable women separated by decades yet united by courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of adventure.

At its heart, The Sky Beneath Us is a story of love and loss, courage and adventure. Set in 1927, we meet Violet Mackenzie-Grant, a Scottish woman embarking on a journey that will take her from the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women to the captivating landscapes of Kathmandu and beyond. As a botanist and illustrator, Violet’s passion for the native Nepalese flora is palpable through Valpy’s vivid descriptions, painting a picture of a woman determined to chart her own course in life despite the expectations of her wealthy family.

Decades later, Violet’s great-great-niece, Daisy Laverock, follows in her footsteps, drawn by the allure of Violet’s long-lost journals and the promise of adventure. However, fate and the pandemic have other plans for Daisy, leaving her stranded in Nepal and forced to rely on the kindness of strangers. As she unravels Violet’s story and uncovers long-held secrets, Daisy finds inspiration in her ancestor’s resilience, discovering a path forward to her own future.

Reading The Sky Beneath Us was a deeply personal experience for me, as it vividly brought back memories of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who lost a loved one to the virus, I found myself grappling with a mix of emotions as I immersed myself in Daisy’s journey, from the fear of the unknown to the heartbreak of loss. Yet, amidst the darkness, there was also light – the generosity of spirit shown by the Sherpa people, offering sanctuary and support to those in need, served as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion in times of adversity.

Despite my initial reservations about delving into a COVID-themed narrative, The Sky Beneath Us captivated me from start to finish. Valpy’s exquisite prose swept me away to the high-altitude Khumbu valley of Nepal, where the air is thin and the scenery breathtaking. Through dual timelines, we witness the resilience of both Violet and Daisy as they navigate life’s challenges with courage and determination, ultimately finding hope amidst despair.

While the story took some time to fully immerse myself in, I soon found myself deeply invested in both timelines and their characters. Though the plot may have been somewhat predictable at times, the richness of the primary location – far from the typical home base for a story – added an extra layer of intrigue and depth.

In conclusion, The Sky Beneath Us is a captivating tale of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and timely themes, it’s a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned. Though it may not be for everyone, I would recommend giving it a read – for within its pages lies a story of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of hope.