Seven Years in Tibet

by Heinrich Harrer
Seven Years in Tibet cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1251
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9780007323388
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2010-06-24
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Seven Years in Tibet is a gripping account of Heinrich Harrer's daring escape from a British internment camp in India and his subsequent journey across the Himalayas to Tibet. This landmark in travel writing captures the harsh realities of survival and the rich cultural tapestry of Tibet before the Chinese invasion. /n/n Harrer's experiences in Tibet, where he became a close friend of the young Dalai Lama, offer a unique perspective on a world that was rapidly changing. His story is not just an adventure but also a profound exploration of a culture and a way of life that was on the brink of transformation.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2023-10-16
informative 3.00

The book is factual and informative, but lacks vivid personal impressions. The photographs are a notable addition, though expected in any book on Tibet.

This review highlights the book's strength in presenting factual information about Tibet. However, it points out that the narrative could benefit from more personal insights. The photographs included are appreciated but are seen as a standard feature in books about Tibet. The reviewer finds the book informative but somewhat detached, focusing more on facts than on the personal experiences of the author.

Quick quotes

    The book conveys facts rather than the vivid personal impressions of Mr Harrer.

    The photographs – which every book on Tibet must contain – are ...

    It is a detailed account but lacks the emotional depth that could make it more engaging.

Medium · Tiago V.F. · 2021-10-22
beautiful 4.00

The book beautifully captures the class hierarchies and rituals of Tibet. It is seen as a profound and beautiful exploration of Tibetan culture.

Tiago V.F. praises the book for its deep insights into Tibetan society, highlighting the class structures and rituals. They find the book to be a beautiful and profound exploration of a culture that is often misunderstood. The reviewer appreciates the detailed descriptions and the way the book brings Tibetan traditions to life. However, they also note that the book can be seen as a product of its time, with some outdated perspectives.

Quick quotes

    It captures really well the class hierarchies of Tibet, their rituals, and their beliefs.

    In some sense, it is incredibly beautiful and profound.

    It is a product of its time, reflecting the perspectives of the era.

Full Time Explorer · 2021-06-08
engaging 4.50

The book offers a unique insight into Tibetan culture, making it a valuable read. The adventures of Harrer and his partner are particularly engaging.

This review emphasizes the book's value as a cultural insight into Tibet. The reviewer appreciates the detailed accounts of Tibetan life and the adventures of Heinrich Harrer and his climbing partner. They find the book to be an engaging and informative read, highlighting the unique aspects of Tibetan culture. The first half of the book, which details their escape and travels, is seen as particularly gripping.

Quick quotes

    What I love about this book is the insight into Tibetan culture.

    Harrer and his climbing partner, Peter Aufschnaiter, escape the prisoner of war ...

    The first half of this book is pretty boring as it is more or less the journal of his fleeing into Tibet and travels throughout the country.

Appears in Lists