I am entirely, emotionally affected by this book. Though the writing style in general lacked embellishments and so sometimes made it a little dry to read, I clung on to every page, particularly those describing Harrer's life in Lhasa and his interactions with the Dalai Lama. Maybe it was the numerous parallels that I was able to draw between the diverse characters in the book and my beautiful friends from Upper Mustang who, while geographically part of Nepal, are culturally and spiritually more akin to Tibetans. Maybe because I am so fascinated with the historical significance of this book, taking place in the seven years preceding China's invasion of Tibet, and the preservation up to that point of a thousand-year-old culture with pure spiritual traditions. Or maybe because in some ways I can identify with Harrer's feelings of being completely at home in a foreign land on the other side of the world. He says, "... part of my being is indissolubly linked with that dear country. Wherever I live, I shall feel homesick for Tibet". I cried all the way through the Epilogue which detailed the events that happened in the wake of the Chinese invasion, particularly as I have met and spoken with people who live in Tibetan refugee camps, never having known their home land because of China's refusal to let Tibet be free.

But I think what resonated most with me is the pure, unblemished nature of the Tibetans who so openly welcomed Harrer and his companion Aufschnaiter into their country and allowed such a unique insight into their beautiful culture. They remind me so strongly of the wonderful people I have met in Nepal. I connected with each one of them and loved reading of Harrer's interactions with them. I laughed and cried through this book, and have learnt so much that I am desperate to find out more.

Highly recommended - anyone with even a slight curiosity about this mysterious, hidden place and its Buddhist traditions, or even just with a craving for a wonderful travel story, should most definitely read this book.