Account of the author's journeys through India and Tibet after being incarcerated by the British during World War II.

By Far,the best travel Book I've read

In many ways this is a fascinating insight to a closed and traditional feudal nation. The little stories around the religious rites and ways prove very entertaining, meaning that as a historical document, it has significant value. The author himself has clearly led an amazing life. An Olympic standard sportsman, who, not content with scaling the seemingly unassailable north face of the Eiger, sets out to climb in the Himalayan range. Due to timing, he manages to get stuck in an internment camp in India in 1939 when war breaks out, and spends most of the war there detailing his various escape attempts. When he finally gets past mountains and bandits, he manages to become a gardener, a graphologist and part-time teacher to the Dalai Lama amongst other things. It all sounds like the stuff of fantasy, and one cannot help but be slightly incredulous about the whole thing. Some editions have a foreword by the Lama himself which gives some gravity to the whole affair though. However, it is not the fabulous tale that is told which proves to be the books biggest flaw. It is the writing style. Clearly not really an author, the book is often stilted, repetitive in style, and reads like a diary with the dates taken out (which I am presuming is exactly how it was written). Many times throughout the book, a glimmer of an interesting aside becomes visible, only to be glossed over for the next fact in line. Some of the weak style can probably be put down to a questionable translation, but the lack of follow up on the side stories clearly cannot be. The author's attitude to all he sees around him could be viewed as offensive to the 21st Century reader, but to complain about this alone would be to see this work in an unfair context. It is hard to truly imagine how bizarre this must all have seemed to an Austrian visiting Shangri la. All in all, well worth a read for the information alone (the old edition I have also contains some of his photos which added greatly to the experience), but slightly disappointing how it was all tied together.

Good book, I would not rate it as a one of the "few great travel stories" but its a good memoir of Heinrich's adventure into Tibet. Ok book, little bit wandering but overall and interesting look at Tibet.

I honestly decided to buy it because I loved the movie so much that I wanted to read the memoir from Harrar, himself. The dramatic transformation of his entire character due to the friendship that evolved between himself and the young Dalai Lama was nothing short of amazing. I'm so glad he was free of his old "issues," that he could tell this inspiring and true tale. The only caveat I would add is that the book has been translated from German. I wish I knew German so the subtle differences of trying to fit the German language perfectly into English would not interfere in any way. I'll never know the answer; perhaps the translator did a wonderful job and it's nothing to be concerned about.

Awesome book, and it also brings awareness to Tibetan culture! For those interested in Tibet, I would recommend this nonfiction book!Awesome book, and it also brings awareness to Tibetan culture! For those interested in Tibet, I would recommend this nonfiction book!

I have been interested in all things Tibetan for a long time. This is a great history lesson for me. I have been interested in all things Tibetan for a long time. This is a great history lesson for me.

Memorable story the writer is a climber caught up in the 2nd world war. He escapes from India & travels for 2 yrs across the mountains. Eventually settling in Tibet & becoming friends with the Dali llama

Awesome book, and it also brings awareness to Tibetan culture! For those interested in Tibet, I would recommend this nonfiction book!

Well written so much so one can easily visualise the places the author has travelled through. Absolutely recommend this book!

I’m very glad to add this book to my small library.I’m very glad to add this book to my small library.

I’m very glad to add this book to my small library.

It is very well written and easy to read.

A very good book and good values 👍

Clean new copy Clean new copy

Many thanks.Many thanks.

Excellent reading

Brilliant. Loved it.

Clean new copy

Many thanks.

No problems No problems

Interesting book.