Adventure· United Kingdom
Tulku
by Peter DickinsonAggregate Editorial Score49/100
★Carnegie Medal
Published 1979286 pagesEnglish
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Tulku by Peter Dickinson is a landmark work of adventure, first published in 1979. Theodore, the son of American missionaries fleeing the Boxer Rebellion, escapes into Tibet with a charismatic English botanist and her companion, only to become entangled in a Buddhist monastery's search for its next reincarnated lama. Themes of Buddhism, Tibet, identity run through the work. The book has received recognition from Carnegie Medal 1979.
Book Details
About the Category
⚔️ Adventure
Action-driven stories of exploration, danger, and survival.
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United Kingdom →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1979, Peter Dickinson's Tulku is a work of adventure that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with Buddhism, Tibet, identity, religion gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
Among its recognitions: Carnegie Medal 1979. With an editorial score of 49/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys.
The appeal of Tulku lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of Buddhism, Tibet, identity, religion is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page.
Peter Dickinson's role in the literature of United Kingdom is well established. Tulku can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Carnegie Medal
winner · national
197948
Peter Dickinson is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of adventure.
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