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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
marksmeltz's review against another edition
5.0
It helps that I'm especially interested in the subject matter, but this is some of the finest travel writing I've read.
dukkhaboy's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A beautiful book about a physically demanding pilgrimage that eventually allows the author some spiritual solace from his grief. Definitely worth reading
abeanbg's review against another edition
3.0
I'll admit, my interest in this one flagged and I never found myself opening my e-copy. Thubron is still one hell of a writer and traveler, but this one felt less vital to me.
tine47's review against another edition
4.0
Colin Thubron is my favourite travel writer. He is quite old now, so his books are mostly outdated. Even this one, published in 2011, is dated. I expect that the journey he describes would not be possible today, given that China is in full control of Tibet now. The Chinese government is educating Tibetan children to look down on Tibetan culture and beliefs. However, when this was written, there were still a few desolate Buddhist monasteries left, and the older people were still quite strong in their beliefs.
What I love about his writing is that the places he visits are described so beautifully. He writes the kind of sentences that you want to read twice and savour. He is very knowledgeable and his books are very well researched. Sometime this can be a drawback as he is a bit too long winded and erudite at times. But this hasn't stopped me from reading most of his books.
Through this book I was transported to the mountains in Tibet and Nepal. The atmosphere, the setting and the people are all described in a way that makes the reader feel that they are sharing his experiences in an almost intimate way.
I am looking forward to reading his next book.
What I love about his writing is that the places he visits are described so beautifully. He writes the kind of sentences that you want to read twice and savour. He is very knowledgeable and his books are very well researched. Sometime this can be a drawback as he is a bit too long winded and erudite at times. But this hasn't stopped me from reading most of his books.
Through this book I was transported to the mountains in Tibet and Nepal. The atmosphere, the setting and the people are all described in a way that makes the reader feel that they are sharing his experiences in an almost intimate way.
I am looking forward to reading his next book.
waffletoast98's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
dougk's review against another edition
5.0
enjoyed this, and learned new things about Tibet and its religions. I knew the swastika symbol was regarded as good luck in much of the East, did not realize this was because of the mark on the side of the holy mountain Kailash/Kang Rinpoche. Here in CO we have the Mount of the Holy Cross, marked with a cross. It's not actually a holy mountain though..
It reminded me of Eric Newby's A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, which I'll re-read now..
It reminded me of Eric Newby's A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, which I'll re-read now..