Lost Horizon: A Novel by James Hilton
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Book Reviews of Lost Horizon: A Novel
Book Review: "...the whole atmosphere was more of wisdom than of learning, of good manners than seriousness."
Summary: 5 Stars
After seeing Frank Capra's film version of this book, I had to read James Hilton's novel. The book and the film are very similar, so my love for the film has transferred to the original work. Lost Horizon is the story of four people, an American, a young British soldier, a middle-aged British man, and a female missionary, who have the misfortune of being kidnapped on an airplane. They are crashed near a mysterious and dismal mountain somewhere in Tibet, and all seems to be lost to them, including their pilot who dies in the crash. However, they are rescued by a group of men who live in a strange valley nearby. They call their oasis Shangri-La.
The middle-aged British man is named Conway; he has the best grasp of the goals of Shangri-La of any of the people in his group. Instead of fidgeting when he is told he and his friends will never leave the villiage, he embraces his new home where everything is done in moderation. He marvels over the expensive library of treasures and begins to love a tiny Chinese girl with a fondness for music. He has the good fortune to meet the High Lama of the monastary there and to be told the secrets of Shangri-La.
Conway's sentiments narrate the story, and his calm personality resonates with the reader and makes the sometimes outlandish beliefs of Shangri-La become vivid and desirable.
This is a magical book with the same feeling of hope and inspiration that is present in Frank Capra's films. Although it was written in the early 30s, the sentiments are applicable in today's world. Thus, it is a timeless classic that every person should have the good fortune of stumbling upon. It will never leave you.
Book Review: BEST BOOKS OF ALL TIME
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is written so well. The author describes the people and the scenery wonderfully. I really enjoyed reading this book and getting involved with the story the author was telling. I started reading this book for several reasons. First, I read a list of the best Novels of all time and this was in the top ten. Second I read an interview in the magazine section of the Sunday, New York Times several months ago. The interviewer asked Donna E. Shalala (served as Secretary of Health and Human Services in Pres. Clinton's cabinet) what was her favorite book and she said James Hilton's Lost Horizon. I then decided I had to read it. I read the book with crib notes with me, so I wouldn't miss any symbolism, but you don't need the crib notes to understand the book. Get the book and read it, jump into the experience; Shangri-la is not far away.Book Review: A Classic Adventure in the Himilayas
Summary: 5 Stars
Note: I made some Mormon reader angry over my reviews of books written by Mormons out to prove the Book of Mormon, and that person has been slamming my reviews.
Your "helpful" votes are appreciated. Thanks.
On Lost Horizon: You'll love this story of lost civilization, where people live hundreds of years. Hidden in the Mountains of the Blue Moon, the survivors of an airplane crash wonder into a charmed valley, where no one thinks of death. The hero falls in love with one of the women.
I don't want to tell too much, but I do highly recommend this classic adventure first published in 1933. It has all the ambiance of that era, and as one Amazon reviewer said, it is the perfect book to curl up with on a slow day.
Book Review: Enchanting
Summary: 5 Stars
What a beautiful and wondrous book! I was completely captivated by the mysteries of Shangri-la. Our hero Conway's adventure was an awe-inspiring tale of a monastery hidden deep in a Tibetan mountain range, where the lamas lead extraordinary existences. Theirs are privileged lives steeped in wisdom and secrecy. Their isolation and longevity allows them a unique position in the world and very few outsiders are privy to their secrets. Hilton's use of the high lama's telepathy is certainly prophetic, considering the book was written prior to World War II.
Lost Horizon was a great adventure story as well as a picture of an ideal society. Hilton's dream on utopia was brilliantly written and enchanting.
Book Review: My favorite book of all time
Summary: 5 Stars
I think the first thing that struck me was how timeless this story is, the search for a personal utopia, the subtle morality, the ideal of moderation. The quotes struck me as so appropriate for the modern age, even though the book was written in 1933. "laziness in doing stupid things is quite a virtue." "Time enough for everything" and the ever popular "the meek shall inherit the world," an old time biblical favorite. The book is charming and elegant, about a magical place for everyone.