KATHMANDU: Nepali-American author Passang Nuru Sherpa has received a highly acclaimed review from the world-renowned Kirkus Reviews for his memoir Behind the Mask: A Pandemic Memoir, marking a major milestone in his international literary career. The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the New York-based author, who was previously named a finalist in the 22nd Annual American Book Fest Awards.

Kirkus Reviews, established in 1933 and regarded as a global authority in professional book criticism, praised Sherpa’s work for its intimate storytelling, emotional depth and authentic depiction of resilience within immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The review commends the book for effectively communicating the psychological toll of social isolation while celebrating the generosity and compassion of the Nepali community—"a light that shines brightly throughout these pages."

The memoir chronicles life in Jackson Heights, New York—one of the hardest-hit epicentres of the pandemic—through Sherpa’s personal diary entries. The review highlights his “passion for storytelling” and the detailed, heartfelt account of fear, uncertainty and solidarity that defined the crisis.

Sherpa, a Nepali immigrant who has lived in Jackson Heights for more than two decades, documented how daily life ground to a halt as lockdowns were imposed in March 2020. Drawing from his experiences as a barber and salon owner, the book captures community conversations, shortages of essentials, the psychological toll of isolation and grassroots relief efforts within the Nepali diaspora.

The English edition of the memoir was translated from Nepali by Mahesh Paudyal and Peter Gill. According to Kirkus, the book effectively conveys the emotional stasis of lockdown life while offering philosophical reflections on Nepali culture, migration and community compassion. The review describes the work as “an intimate, heartfelt portrait of one New York City community’s struggles and resilience.”

Reacting to the recognition, Sherpa said the achievement goes beyond personal success. “This recognition represents the voices of immigrant communities and the lived realities of the pandemic that deserve to be documented and remembered,” he said.

The Kirkus review adds to Sherpa’s growing list of international recognitions. Behind the Mask was earlier named a finalist in the ‘Non-Fiction Creative’ category of the 22nd Annual American Book Fest Awards, one of the largest book award platforms in the United States. The author is now recognised as a Kirkus-reviewed, award-winning and internationally acknowledged writer.

Beyond literature, Sherpa is known for his community service during the pandemic, delivering medicines, food and essential supplies to vulnerable residents in Jackson Heights. His memoir reflects these frontline experiences, portraying collective struggle rather than a single personal narrative.

Behind the Mask: A Pandemic Memoir, released on June 4, 2025, is currently available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and major international book distributors.