This made me so sad. The Dalai Lama tried to walk a path of peace but the Chinese government would not allow them to coexist. This graphic novel recounts the history from his birth through his later life, and I learned a lot. I highly recommend this for people interested in learning about the struggles of Tibet and the Dalai Lama.

Thank you, Netgalley, for an advanced readers copy of this graphic novel for an honest review.

In this graphic novel, we are taken on an adventure through this religion and also the Tibetan people fighting in their own way for freedom and against oppression, & it helps you to know more about the practice so for me this was a very enjoyable read.

The Path of Dalai Lama by Tom Taylor provides readers, not only an insightful biography but an important history. A history of the relentless pursuit of freedom of the Tibetan people from oppression.

I studied Buddhism for 2 years at A Level, so I began with a knowledge of the 14th Dalai Lama’s life as well as the teachings of Buddhism. An in depth history of Tibet was not an area I was educated on. I am amazed by the structure of The Path of Dalai Lama, I found it very informative without being dense or requiring extensive prior knowledge. This is a huge strength as it can be an enormous barrier to entry into non-fiction.

This graphic novel is an essential piece to read in aiding understanding of not only Buddhism but the attempts of governments to erase history, to erase culture. The depiction of the methods of oppression is raw, it is succinct and visceral. I believe it to be incredibly successful at achieving an accurate understanding of events, and as such, it will leave you feeling deeply moved.

Tom Taylor does not fear a complex presentation of His Holiness, delving into the overwhelming transition of lifestyle and the emotional turmoil that accompanied. The addition of the internal monologues detailing the emotional turmoil of the Dalai Lama added an important dimension of almost tangible vulnerability to the events of his life.

Matyáš Namai’s illustrations were not only beautifully intricate but extremely emotive. Especially through use of the colour palette, the art expressed the tone which is exactly what I love in a graphic novel.

Thank you for the ARC.

📿 The fight without a fight. This graphic novel follows the story of the 14th Dalai Lama and reminds us of the horrors of the past. It's a hard pill to swallow for many, as it involves a violent takeover and an erasure of a rich culture.

📿 Colors of a culture sweep through. The artist chose a color palette reminiscent of old Tibetan styles, rich in reds and yellows, with accents of blues and greens. It's also interesting how the colors show passion and violence, peace and conflict at the same time.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

Part history, part biography, part reimagined memoir, this graphic text is detailed, meticulously detailed, and tells the story of the 14th dalai lama from his time as a child to adulthood. The reader sees the events through his point of view, while also learning the historical and political context for the rise of the religion, the struggle for power, and the ultimate exile of the dalai lama.

I highly recommend this graphic biography for nayone who is interested in eastern religion, politics, and history.

This was a intresting and emotional story of thr current Dahli Lama.
If you are like me and want to know more about the Dhali Lama and why he had to leave Tibet this story tells it and makes it understandable. There are scenes in the novel that are gruesome and may trigger some people. I enjoyed the art work and it brings the Dhali Lamas story alive and hiw he still advocates for Tibet through peace and non violence.
4 stars

A history from childhood to present of the life path of the Dalai Lama. It has been a life of tremendous challenges primarily due to China's imposed rule on the people, institutions, and culture of Tibet. The book does not shy away from the violence and brutality during and after China's takeover. It is not a book for young children. For young adults it should be read in conjunction with discussion with mature adults about the relationship to other events in world history and discuss cultural challenges and personal commitments for the many significant issues presented.

Keep in mind that these events are not unique to Tibet and one can reflect on world history of invasion and conquest that all too sadly repeats over and over. Perhaps someday we will learn more of the discussions held during the takeover and beyond between the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan ministers, the Tibetan people and world leaders regarding Tibet.

A beautifully written and illustrated account of the Dalai Lama's life and ongoing work. The author did a great job of detailing historical events without making it confusing, or oversimplified. The illustrations were vibrant, and I sometimes found myself sitting with a page long after I'd read it, just taking everything in.

I'm grateful to have come across this one, I know I'll be reading this again soon.

Tom Taylor’s The Path of the Dalai Lama is a thoughtful, visually compelling graphic biography that traces the spiritual and political journey of one of the world’s most enduring figures of peace. With clarity and reverence, it captures the young Tenzin Gyatso’s transformation into the 14th Dalai Lama, his exile from Tibet, and his unwavering message of compassion amid conflict.

The art complements the narrative with grace—evoking not just historical moments, but emotional depth. Without oversimplifying complex geopolitics, the book remains accessible to younger readers while resonating with adults. It’s less a hagiography and more a human portrait—timely, inspiring, and quietly powerful.