The Art of Patience

More about the book

In this captivating narrative, renowned French adventurer and writer Sylvain Tesson embarks on an expedition to the Tibetan mountains in pursuit of the elusive snow leopard. Following a devastating climbing accident that left him with numerous broken bones, Tesson, determined to regain his strength, initially explored the backroads of France. In 2018, inspired by American writer Peter Matthiessen, he undertook a more ambitious journey to master the art of patience, a significant challenge for someone who has always sought to outrun time. Accompanied by esteemed wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and two companions, Tesson ascended to the high plateaux of remote Tibet. At 5,000 meters and in frigid temperatures of -25C, the team set up hides on exposed mountainsides and occasionally took refuge in an icy cave, waiting for a glimpse of the mythical snow leopard. This tightly woven narrative serves as both a dazzling account of an arduous journey and an exploration of patience. It reflects on the slowing of time, the harsh realities of the natural world, and ultimately advocates for ecological awareness, making it a small masterpiece in its own right.