Harrer has written what seems like two stories in one, both akin more to epic fiction than the reality they are. His grueling trek over vast stretches of land without seeing souls or food for days melts into a luxuriant picture of unfettered, beautiful culture as he arrives in the forbidden city of Lhasa. Seven Years in Tibet is truly a book for travelers. I particularly liked the later chapter on Harrer's work with the fourteenth Dalai Lama, and the latter's boyish curiosity and penchant for learning. It is fascinating to read about the precocious nature of this boy-king and the spiritual significance attributed to him. I'm eager to see the film version, knowing, alas, that China's government prevented much filming in the actual country of Tibet. Regardless, the images described by Harrer are vivid enough and I would love to see their portrayal in film.