Description

A STUNNING HISTORICAL NOVEL FROM WOMEN’S PRIZE LONGLISTED AUTHOR

* One of BBC’s ’12 books you need to read in 2026′

* A Guardian Book of the Day

* A BookBub ‘Best Historical Fiction of 2026’ selection

Two outsiders venture into the Forbidden Kingdom of Tibet, both driven by a motive they are desperate to keep secret…

In 1869, the mountainous territory of Tibet is closed to foreigners. Balram is an Indian guide recruited to lead an English Captain on an illegal and foolhardy expedition within Tibet. Katherine, fleeing a life of frustrated ambition, is determined to become the first European woman to reach Lhasa.

The two of them cross paths on their long, treacherous journeys. As they battle to survive, Balram and Katherine face storms and bandits, snow leopards and soldiers, fevers and frostbite. But nothing is more dangerous than the secrets that snap at their heels, in this unforgettable story about the obsessions of empire and the lengths we go to in pursuit of legacy.

‘An epic, perilous odyssey.’ Guardian

‘Riveting… This book is a triumph.’ Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel

Publisher Review

‘Imagined with heart-stopping precision and breathtaking scope, The Last of Earth cuts a bold path for a new vision of history and humanity through a story full of big, old-fashioned adventure… A suspenseful odyssey that will remake how its readers understand time, power, and love.’ V. V. Ganeshananthan, author of Brotherless Night ‘Riveting… Exquisitely written and carefully plotted, this book is a triumph.’ Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel ‘Deepa Anappara has walked beyond the edges of history to craft this astounding and necessary novel.’ Tsering Yangzom Lama, author of We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies ‘A bold and expressive work of storytelling… Lovers of romance and adventure will be carried away by its powerful dramatic currents, students of history will savour the texture of the region’s storied past.’ Daniel Light, author of The White Ladder ‘A bold retelling of stories of imperial adventurers who crossed in disguise into mid-nineteenth century Tibet… An astonishingly gripping novel.’ Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, author of Coming Home to Tibet: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Belonging ‘A thrilling and profound tale of secret personal ambition set against the backdrop of colonialist expansion. A proper page-turner.’ BBC, ’12 books you need to read in 2026′ ‘The Last of Earth rewards those who linger to appreciate its masterful evocation of time and place… This deeply considered and powerful novel showcases Anappara’s immense storytelling prowess. A delightful book to savour!’ Melissa Fu, author of Peach Blossom Spring ‘With its focus on imperial dynamics, personal ambition and the encounters between local and foreign perspectives, the book is positioned as a compelling addition to 2026 historical fiction books for readers drawn to richly detailed, adventurous narratives.’ Tatler Asia ‘The Last of Earth turns the colonial venture on its head – an Indian man mapping for empire, an English woman defying it… A bold, beautiful book that remaps both the world and the heart. Daring, poetic, and profound.’ Ruchira Gupta, author of I Kick and I Fly ‘An epic story about land, selfhood, intimacy and the psychic damage of colonialism… A deep, profound narrative with many layers of meaning, emotion and history.’ Rebecca Tamas, author of Strangers ‘Anappara pulls off a fresh mix of spooky folklore and intense naturalism, as in scenes where Balram’s ever-dwindling crew of bearers succumb to the elements, leading to a power struggle between Balram and the captain. It’s an accomplished tale.’ Publishers Weekly ‘With its dramatic setting of the Himalayan landscape and its two distinct main characters, The Last of Earth offers a story that will feel fresh to historical fiction readers.’ BookPage