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le_v's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
samanthadogmum's review
4.0
Extremely interesting insight into life in Tibet post Chinese invasion. Can be very descriptive in parts and at times lacking in feeling. Makes you want to explore this unattainable country.
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
It was hard to read at first but after about fifty pages I guess I got used to the writing (or it got better). Wonderful, descriptive, and sympathetic to the plight of Tibet.
scarletohhara's review
4.0
Absolutely loved reading this book. What I loved is the author's honest way of story telling, the living in the ever-mystical-Roof-of-the-world, his biggest about His Holiness and the fact that he felt Tibet was his home.
lauradal's review
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
3.0
This was an interesting book due to its information on life in tibet and it's people in the years before the invasion by the red army of China. I think it lacks a driving plot, so was a bit hard to pick this book up at times. However I admired the adventure of the author and his friend Peter, after walking in the Himalayas myself I really truly admire their hardships. The best part of the story comes at the very end after Harrer befriends the young Dalai Lama after building a cinema for him. The endind is very reflective and a bit emotion after leaving Tibet. A foreword from the Dalai Lama at the beginning is very lovely.
ryanjjames's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I saw the movie 20 years ago as I was first learning about Buddhism, and found the travel/adventure angle was pretty aligned with my current interests. They look at Tibetan culture before the invasion of the Chinese was also fascinating. It was a country with very limited outside influence and their way of being had been in disturbed for hundreds of years. Harrer found his initial encounters with the Tibetans as people not in a rush, and with a childlike/innocent sense of humour who liked to laugh at everything. They are also an incredibly superstitious culture and the author does a great job of describing their customs without being dismissive. I feel I want to rematch the movie now. This book was a joy to read.
From the AI:
"Seven Years in Tibet" stands as a mesmerizing memoir, chronicling Heinrich Harrer's extraordinary odyssey through the heart of Tibet. Harrer's narrative unfolds with a rare blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. His detailed descriptions of the Tibetan landscape, customs, and the warmth of its people paint a vivid canvas that transports readers into an unfamiliar yet enchanting world.
The book is not just a chronicle of geographical exploration; it's a poignant exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Harrer's transformation from a prisoner escaping British internment in India to a trusted friend of the Dalai Lama is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and adaptation.
The writing is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of both the harsh Himalayan environment and the gentle wisdom of the Tibetan people. Harrer's keen observations provide readers with a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and history, making it more than just a travelogue.
"Seven Years in Tibet" resonates with timeless themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and the universal quest for meaning. It's a literary gem that not only entertains with its adventurous spirit but also enlightens with its profound insights. I wholeheartedly award it 5 stars, recognizing its enduring impact on my understanding of the world and the human spirit.
From the AI:
"Seven Years in Tibet" stands as a mesmerizing memoir, chronicling Heinrich Harrer's extraordinary odyssey through the heart of Tibet. Harrer's narrative unfolds with a rare blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. His detailed descriptions of the Tibetan landscape, customs, and the warmth of its people paint a vivid canvas that transports readers into an unfamiliar yet enchanting world.
The book is not just a chronicle of geographical exploration; it's a poignant exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Harrer's transformation from a prisoner escaping British internment in India to a trusted friend of the Dalai Lama is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and adaptation.
The writing is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of both the harsh Himalayan environment and the gentle wisdom of the Tibetan people. Harrer's keen observations provide readers with a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and history, making it more than just a travelogue.
"Seven Years in Tibet" resonates with timeless themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and the universal quest for meaning. It's a literary gem that not only entertains with its adventurous spirit but also enlightens with its profound insights. I wholeheartedly award it 5 stars, recognizing its enduring impact on my understanding of the world and the human spirit.