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Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a SpiritualHero Audiobook
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(3.17) - 139 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The remarkable true story of the miraculous journey that made the Dalai Lama into the man he is today and sparked the fight for Tibetan freedom
“A hair-raising tale of daring and escape.”—The Washington Post
In the early weeks of 1959, a bloody uprising gripped the streets of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa as ragtag Tibetan rebels faced off against their Communist Chinese occupiers. Realizing that the impending battle would result in a bloodbath and his own capture, the young Dalai Lama began planning an audacious escape to India, a two-week journey that would involve numerous near-death encounters, a dangerous mountain crossing, and evading thousands of Chinese soldiers who were intent on hunting him down. The journey would transform this naïve young man into one of the world’s greatest statesmen . . . and create an enduring beacon of hope for a nation.
Emotionally powerful and irresistibly page-turning, Escape from the Land of Snows is simultaneously a portrait of the inhabitants of a spiritual nation forced to take up arms in defense of their ideals, and the saga of a burgeoning leader who was ultimately transformed into the towering figure the world knows today—a charismatic champion of free thinking and universal compassion.
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"Beautifully written and very moving. No matter what your religious beliefs, this is a fascinating true story of the Dalai Lama's escape on foot from communist China's occupation of Tibet back in 1959. It's difficult to fathom such an expedition through the Himalayas. Very tragic! "
— Dave (5 out of 5 stars)
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Riveting . . . Talty’s portrait of the young Dalai Lama is nuanced and compelling; his account of the CIA’s involvement is thriller ready; and his unique coverage of the news frenzy and shenanigans that ensued as the fleeing Dalai Lama became a cold-war hero is fascinating. . . . Talty is also acutely attuned to the tragedy and grace of the Dalai Lama’s long exile.
— Booklist (starred review) -
Skillful . . . Talty has woven a vivid picture of a dangerous journey and a country in crisis.
— Publishers Weekly -
Riveting, informed . . . a great read for Tibetophiles old and new.
— Kirkus Reviews -
Biography at it best: suspenseful, revealing, and profoundly humane.
— Eric Swanson, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Joy of Living -
It was perhaps history’s most momentous escape: the Dalai Lama fleeing over the roof of the world from Mao’s advancing troops. I loved losing myself in Escape from the Land of Snows and you will too.
— James Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of Flags of Our Fathers, Flyboys, and The Imperial Cruise -
An amazing, behind-the-scenes account that reads like a bound-for-the-big-screen thriller. Talty vividly captures the Tibet I know and have immense respect for—including its harsh beauty, epic terrain and fiercely resilient people. Reading this, I was completely absorbed as a series of divine prophecies cause a small peasant boy—the future 14th Dalai Lama—to be chosen to lead his people, and as threats from marauding Chinese occupiers send that same boy, now a young man, on a dangerous gauntlet through the Himalayas. Talty shows in the most compulsively readable way how a champion for peace came by his warrior instincts.
— Ed Viesturs, seven-time climber of Mt. Everest and author of No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s Highest Peaks -
Loaded with hard, vivid detail and marked by a wonderful cast of characters . . . Few people know the facts of the Dalai Lama’s escape from Chinese-occupied Tibet. That will change with this marvelous book. Acclaimed author Stephan Talty takes us with the Dalai Lama on a dangerous journey over the Himalayas while being pursued by Mao’s soldiers. Meanwhile, U.S. President Eisenhower and millions around the world eagerly follow his daring escape. You will, too, as you turn these pages.
— Jean Sasson, New York Times bestselling author of Princess and Growing Up bin Laden
Escape from the Land of Snows Listener Reviews
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" 3 1/2 Parts were very good. Made me want to learn more about Tibet. "
— Nancy, 2/5/2014 -
" I didn't care for how much it jumped around - made it hard to follow at times. But, what a fascinating story. It's a topic I didn't know much about, and am grateful to know more now. "
— Andrea, 2/3/2014 -
" Pretty good, but I was reading a lot of non-fiction and hit a wall with this book. I had to take a break and that cut the momentum and thus the readability of the book. In retrospect, I might have rather read one of the Dalai Lama's own biographies. Nonetheless, this was interesting and I learned a lot. I have even greater respect now for the Dalai Lama. "
— Anastasia, 1/10/2014 -
" Beautifully written and very moving. No matter what your religious beliefs, this is a fascinating true story of the Dalai Lama's escape on foot from communist China's occupation of Tibet back in 1959. It's difficult to fathom such an expedition through the Himalayas. Very tragic! "
— Dave, 1/1/2014 -
" Well-researched, compelling book. Insightful, fast-paced (mostly), and factual without being dry. "
— Jayalexn, 12/31/2013 -
" Wonderful book which taught me there once was a place called Tibet. Now Tibet exists in the hearts and souls of people around the world. "
— Bernadette, 12/21/2013 -
" This was a great biography of the Dalai Lama and how he escaped from Tibet. I was amazed at how the Tibetan people supported him and helped in the escape. It was fascinating. "
— Valerie, 12/15/2013 -
" Interesting and informative, Talty examines the escape fo the Dalai Lama from the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Talty provides an excellent context for understanding how the Dalai Lama grew into his role as the leader-in-exile of the Tibetan people. "
— Leslie, 12/9/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book, but I expected more focus on the person and less on the politics. The book centered on the tension and battle leading up to the escape. I had hoped for more information directly from the Dalai Lama. "
— Dorothy, 12/1/2013 -
" Very interesting account of the escape of the Dalai Lama from Tibet. The book recounts the history his early life through his escape to India. "
— Kathy, 8/17/2013 -
" Gives you perspective on the suffering and compassion the Dalai Lama has endured and grown through to inspire others. Excellent book! "
— Denise, 2/2/2013 -
" Stephen Talty's well-written account of the Dalia Lama's escape from Tibet's capital in 1959 reads more like a thriller. Very fast moving, with explainations of the Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. Seemingly unbiased, discusses events from various points of views. Highly reccommend. "
— Jon, 9/7/2012 -
" I really liked it, I just never got a chance to finish it because my teacher needed it back. It's highly interesting. "
— Alex, 8/25/2012 -
" This was an incredible book. I learned a lot about the region & the people of Tibet. I really enjoyed reading this account of the Dalai Lama's epic journey. I have a greater respect for him as a person & a leader now that I understand what he survived & underwent. "
— Royce, 7/20/2012 -
" I don't generally like books that have to have a cast of characters at the beginning of them, but this book was interesting and had excellent, simply writing that made it very easy-to-read and quick to read. Not my favorite book, but not bad either. "
— Emily, 6/25/2012 -
" Very interesting story, well written. I learned a lot. "
— Penny, 5/14/2012 -
" I always wanted to learn more about the Dalai Lama and Talty certainly wrote a great story concerning this notorious figure. "
— Dave, 12/22/2011 -
" Interesting. Good read. Learned a lot about Tibet as a country and about the people and culture of Tibet. "
— Maaike, 11/15/2011 -
" I liked the book. This covers the background of the Dalai Lama's escape to India, and a bit about the journey itself. "
— Chris, 10/28/2011 -
" 3 1/2 Parts were very good. Made me want to learn more about Tibet. <br/> "
— Nancy, 5/3/2011 -
" Very interesting account of the escape of the Dalai Lama from Tibet. The book recounts the history his early life through his escape to India. "
— Kathy, 4/24/2011 -
" I enjoyed this book, but I expected more focus on the person and less on the politics. The book centered on the tension and battle leading up to the escape. I had hoped for more information directly from the Dalai Lama. <br/> "
— Dorothy, 4/21/2011 -
" Interesting and informative, Talty examines the escape fo the Dalai Lama from the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Talty provides an excellent context for understanding how the Dalai Lama grew into his role as the leader-in-exile of the Tibetan people. "
— Leslie, 3/29/2011 -
" Interesting. Good read. Learned a lot about Tibet as a country and about the people and culture of Tibet. "
— Maaike, 3/5/2011 -
" This was an incredible book. I learned a lot about the region & the people of Tibet. I really enjoyed reading this account of the Dalai Lama's epic journey. I have a greater respect for him as a person & a leader now that I understand what he survived & underwent. "
— Royce, 3/1/2011
About Stephan Talty
Stephan Talty is the award-winning author of Agent Garbo, Empire of Blue Water, and other best-selling works of narrative nonfiction. His books have been made into two films, the Oscar-winning Captain Phillips and Only the Brave. He is also the author of two psychological thrillers, including the New York Times bestseller Black Irish. He has written for the New York Times Magazine, GQ, and many other publications.
About Shishir Kurup
Shishir Ravindran Kurup is an Indian-born American actor. He played Dr. Singh on the sci-fi series Surface, and also had roles on the series Heroes, Lost, and True Blood