While in the midst of a flight in the far east, the four passengers suddenly come to the realization that their small craft has veered off course, and that they are essentially being kidnapped. The flight eventually culminates in a landing in a desolate location high in the Himalayas and the pilot’s death. The four are met by residents of a nearby lamasery, Shanri-La, and are hospitably invited to stay until another means of returning home presents itself. The lamasery offers delicious food, comfortable living, a vast library, natural beauty and stimulating conversation. The only thing it doesn’t seem to offer is a way to leave.

I enjoyed this quasi-adventure story and appreciated some of the philosophical questions it provokes. Like others, I felt the last few chapters were somewhat weak, but they were marginally redeemed after I reread the first chapter over again when finished. The novel holds up fairly well for its time, and is the origin of the mystical place name Shangri-La.

posted Jul 1, 2009 at 6:09PM

I have never been a fan of any of the movies I’ve seen of it, but I was still willing to pick up the book and read it after several people recommended it to me. The characters were interesting and the story was easy to follow, but something seemed missing-like sanity. I’m glad I read it, but I’m not putting it on my favorite book list any time soon.

posted Mar 9, 2012 at 3:41PM

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