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kay_bee_reads's review against another edition
2.0
Lost Horizon was published in 1933 and later became a hugely popular book, mostly due to the fact that in 1939, it became the first mass market paperback book ever produced in the US. It's had two film versions since 1937.
So I guess I had set my expectations too high going in. I was kind of hoping for an Indiana Jones-esque story set in the mythical Shangri-la. But no such luck. What I got was a plodding narrative where almost nothing happens. No action. Little intrigue. Just a lot of long-winded conversations and boring interactions.
So I guess I had set my expectations too high going in. I was kind of hoping for an Indiana Jones-esque story set in the mythical Shangri-la. But no such luck. What I got was a plodding narrative where almost nothing happens. No action. Little intrigue. Just a lot of long-winded conversations and boring interactions.
cschmitz3's review against another edition
3.0
liked the movie better
I usually never say this but in this case I throughly liked the movie better than the book. That is very unusual for me. I wasn’t prepared for that aspect.
I usually never say this but in this case I throughly liked the movie better than the book. That is very unusual for me. I wasn’t prepared for that aspect.
aorth's review against another edition
3.0
After reading Lost Horizon it's not hard to understand why Tibet, the Himalayas, Buddhism, India, etc became the fetish of so many Western people searching for the meaning of life in the 1960s and 70s. This book evokes the thrill of adventure, the exploration of exotic far away places, and mixes it with a healthy amount of Eastern mysticism. Who wouldn't want to quit their job and spend all their life savings to go live with some guru in Shangri-La?!
This was my second novel in the genre. A quick, enjoyable read, though I'd recommend the less well-known Om, the Secret of Abhor Valley by Talbot Mundy for anyone looking for a place to start, as it is wildly imaginative and has a little more substance.
This was my second novel in the genre. A quick, enjoyable read, though I'd recommend the less well-known Om, the Secret of Abhor Valley by Talbot Mundy for anyone looking for a place to start, as it is wildly imaginative and has a little more substance.
yesterdayyellow's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
john_raine's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up on a whim from the "Classics" shelf at our local library. Before reading the book, I didn't know that it was the genesis of the place and term "Shangri-La". The first half of the book meanders a bit, but it is necessary for setting the scene and getting the reader to share Conway's detached view of the situation. I love the ambiguity of the last 40 pages, whether the story of extended life is real or not. Even more interesting than the story to me was the way in which it is very clearly a reflection on life between the World Wars and the storm clouds that the author saw on the horizon.
karenreads1000s's review against another edition
3.0
Why did Conway leave? Most confusing part of the story to me. Is the lamasary Buddhist and Christian? The writing style was good.
hklnvgl's review against another edition
4.0
Lo que empieza como un libro de aventuras, con secuestro y accidente aéreo incluidos, se transforma poco a poco en una profunda reflexión sobre la vida, el sentido de esta, la belleza y el arte. Muy recomendable
liliya_klein's review against another edition
4.0
Written in the 1930s, it has an interesting fantastical element that I'm sure was an inspiration for many subsequent novels and even movies. LOVE the ending! It provides a resolution while also failing to answer the most pressing questions. I like the intrigue of it!
Book #1 of November readathon ✅
Book #1 of November readathon ✅
ivanssister's review against another edition
3.0
One interesting note - I hadn't realized this was where the term Shangri-La originated. Kind of neat to see where it began.