Seven Years in Tibet

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Summary: An useful guide for travellers
Review: I decided to read the book when I started thinking about travelling to Tibet (and after gaining a book of Dalai Lama). I was really surprised with the amount of useful information about Tibet: its people, its culture; its traditions; its politics and so on. So, I strongly recommend it to everybody that is interested in knowing better the tibetan culture and way of thinking and being. And to those who are planning to visit Tibet or, who knows, are interested in the tragic story of these people.

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Summary: The transformation of a troubled soul
Review: The saga of a troubled soul that finds a piece of mind, true "nirvana" at the roof of a world. This is more than and adventure book. This is the autobiography of a man who after living seven years among the clouds, changed his perception of his interaction with the world. More than simpley reconsidering his lifestyle and religious beliefs, Harrer managed to change his life in every possible way. Finally obtaining peace of mind. A great book written by a great adventurer. Changed my life. . . got the gutts to change aswell? Then read Seven Years in Tibet.

Rating:
Summary: A story of an incredible adventure and a fascinating culture
Review: I decided to read this novel because I enjoy travel literature, and also because of a recommendation from a friend from Liechtenstein who was acquainted with the author. I found this novel to be quite fascinating, telling a story of survival in harsh terrain, a love for the mountains, and the gathering of knowledge about an isolated and mysterious culture. Mr. Harrer's ability to survive in the Himalayas, his quick adaptation to Tibetan lifestyle and language, and his writing skills paint the picture of an incredibly intelligent and enterprising individual. This book lends strong support to the cause for a free Tibet.

Rating:
Summary: Seven Years In Tibet
Review: While Heinrich Harrer admits from the start that he is no great writer, (and I agree with him), the story itself is so compelling and the union of his star with the historical movements in Tibet so well alligned that the man can be forgiven for just being there and letting us share in the experience. The simplicity of his words is in keeping with the innocence of Tibet and its people. They are hand and glove and there is no better fit then when, toward the end of the book, he tutors His Holiness, and brings us directly into contact with the living Buddha. It is no less a moving experience for all of us. The torturous trip from India into Tibet and finally into the holy city of Lahsa, the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, the simple faith of the people all combine to make this a worthwhile experience. It is a wake up call for all people of faith and love. Thank you Heinrich.

Rating:
Summary: Great adventure
Review: The best adventure story I have ever read. Wonderful descriptions of Tibetan culture before the Chinese "liberation."

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Summary: China's atrocities in Tibet must be brought to public light!
Review: This is a great book that brings the world community's attention to China's continued occupation and atrocities in Tibet.

Chinese rulers continue to insist (with a straight face) that their conquest of Tibet is an "internal affair of the Chinese state".

This is perhaps just another piece of evidence that China poses the greatest threat to regional/global security in the coming decades.

Rating:
Summary: An extraordinary voyage!
Review: Few western men reached the legendary city of Lhasa deep into the ancient kingdom of Tibet. Heinrich Harrer was one of them. He is a man of simple, but precise words. There is no highly sophisticated literary style in his writing only the truth and for me that is still the best poetry I can think of. This book tells the real tale of an extraordinary and perilous voyage into an unknown land an an even less known society. Despite the terrain and cultural barriers in front of him the author succeded in escaping his persecutors and penetrating the world of the high society of Tibet with awesome skill and determination. Yet this peaceful world was about to fall at the feet of the Chinese conquerors I believe that like the book of Marco Polo Harrer's book will remain among the great adventure books of history. Aside from being a declaration of war against the cruel Chinese conquerors and their powerful, brutal regime this book stands as a great hymn of freedom, determination and human friendship even among different cultures.

30th of August of 1999

Rating:
Summary: Another Adventurer
Review: People who enjoyed this book would also like "My Journey to Lhasa" by Alexandra David-Neel an adventurer who traveled to Lhasa 20 years before Harrer.

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Summary: Amazing story of human nature and eastern culture
Review: Seven Years was a hard book to put down. I had loved the movie and was quite interested to see the differences between it and the real story, but i wasnt disappointed with the book. Harrer tells his story very informatively but it is still interesting, especially an 'outsiders' interaction with the Dalai Lama. The insight into the Dalai Lama that this book provided has to ensure, even to non- buddhists, that the Dalai Lama truly is an enlightened one. It shows that this young boy held all things good in his heart, looked at the world with wonder, and didnt wish evil upon those who did so to him. He showed a vast intelligent, far beyond his years, and Harrer's adventure and story was completely captivating, start to finish. It was an amazing story, and even better when you considered that it was the truth.

Rating:
Summary: From Adventure to Enlightenment
Review: This book is captivating from start to finish. It starts off with all the makings of a great adventure novel and remarkably flows right into a much calmer storyline. Harrer's amazing story is a must read for anyone whose ever thought about adventure and enlightenment in the same day.