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Seven Years in Tibet (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.00) - 4,839 listener ratings
Publisher Description
Dramatized in a motion picture starring Brad Pitt, Seven Years in Tibet is the autobiographical account of a young Austrian adventurer and the escape from an internment camp that changed his life forever. In 1943 Heinrich Harrer, a noted mountain climber and skier, slipped out of captivity in India and made his way through the Himalayan passes to the Forbidden City of Lhasa in Tibet. From destitute vagabond, he rose to the position of tutor and confidant to the fourteen-year-old Dalai Lama. Until their parting in 1950, when the Chinese Communists overran the country, his close relationship with the revered holy man profoundly altered his way of living, even his way of thinking.
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"In this vivid memoir that has sold millions of copies worldwide, Heinrich Harrer recounts his adventures as one of the first Europeans ever to enter Tibet. Harrer was traveling in India when the Second World War erupted. He was subsequently seized and imprisoned by British authorities. After several attempts, he escaped and crossed the rugged, frozen Himalayas, surviving by duping government officials and depending on the generosity of villagers for food and shelter. Harrer finally reached his ultimate destination-the Forbidden City of Lhasa-without money, or permission to be in Tibet. But Tibetan hospitality and his own curious appearance worked in Harrer?s favor, allowing him unprecedented acceptance among the upper classes. His intelligence and European ways also intrigued the young Dalai Lama, and Harrer soon became His Holiness?s tutor and trusted confidant. When the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1950, Harrer and the Dalai Lama fled the country together. This timeless story illuminates Eastern culture, as well as the childhood of His Holiness and the current plight of Tibetans. It is a must-read for lovers of travel, adventure, history, and culture. A motion picture, under the direction of Jean-Jacques Annaud, will feature Brad Pitt in the lead role of Heinrich Harrer."
— Eddy (4 out of 5 stars)
Seven Years in Tibet Listener Reviews
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" As soon as you read the explanation that he is not a writer, that the book is more of a memoir, it becomes a fantastic journey into a great culture. "
— Alex, 2/11/2014 -
" Absolutely loved reading this book. What I loved is the author's honest way of story telling, the living in the ever-mystical-Roof-of-the-world, his biggest about His Holiness and the fact that he felt Tibet was his home. "
— Preethi, 1/4/2014 -
" This book is really amazing and I think everyone should read it! It is really something special. To think that something as beautiful as Harrer's friendship with the Dalai Lama and all the other amazing things he has seen in Tibet has really happened in the real world. It's beautiful like a fairy tale, and I had tears in my eyes during the last chapters describing the communist invasion and how the Dalai Lama had to flee. "
— Lea, 1/2/2014 -
" Been meaning to read this for years since seeing the Brad Pitt film. Not such a personal account but still a wonderful read. "
— Mary, 12/21/2013 -
" This is my favorite kind of reading; true life adventure. If you like this one you'll love Royal Road to Romance by Richard Halliburton. "
— Carel, 12/13/2013 -
" I liked this book, but might have been bored with it if I wasn't GOING to tibet soon! "
— Becky, 12/7/2013 -
" Interesting book about a German man who was an escaped POW from India that went to Tibet and lived there for 7 years. Interesting to learn of their culture and way of life. It seems like it's a culture that really isn't seen much at all. "
— Melodi, 11/24/2013 -
" Am thoroughly enjoying this book so far "
— Aileen, 10/7/2013 -
" Slow to start, but good to know someone can live in a different country and be happy and successfull, there is hope... "
— Rebecca, 10/7/2013 -
" Not the greatest writing or story, but a one in a million chance tale that shows a unique perspective of the last days for Old Tibet. "
— Joshua, 9/20/2013 -
" You can get lost in this book. The imagery is incredible. You go there. "
— Dianne, 4/19/2013 -
" OK. Beside Harrer's life story, which is very interesting, one question were nagging me throughout the entire book. Tibet was a feudal society ruled by bunch of "religious" bloodsuckers (so much for independence). They got kicked out by Chinese. So, why should I cry about it? "
— Misha, 3/5/2013 -
" An interesting read culturally, though at least half of the novel is hiking to get to the capital city of Tibet. After a while all the trekking makes the reading a little monotonous. "
— Alyssa, 7/12/2012 -
" A wonderful book. Beautiful without being showy or verbose. I adore any book that makes me want to drop everything and go on a trek to foreign lands. "
— Kyle, 6/23/2012 -
" I found the writing in this story to very dry and not very enthralling. If you're into climbing mountains and want a more historical look then this book might work for you. "
— Pepper, 6/12/2012 -
" Read it because of how much I loved the movie. A bit slow, but glad to have tackled it. "
— Caitlin, 5/27/2012 -
" Excellent, I need to read it again! So much information on this wonderful country which has been devastated by China. Heartbreaking. "
— Elle, 2/27/2011 -
" I loved, loved, loved this book. Although I thought the movie was great. I was happy to see that the book was a whole different story. I'd say if you liked the movie you will like the book even more! "
— Odrianna, 2/1/2011 -
" I have written at length elsewhere about this book. (link to come) "
— Danyell, 1/11/2011 -
" Read it because of how much I loved the movie. A bit slow, but glad to have tackled it. "
— Caitlin, 1/3/2011 -
" Harrer provides a perspective that none other can. Historically significant. "
— Peregrine, 12/7/2010 -
" I loved the movie (with Brad Pitt) and the book is a fascinating read. Mountaineer Harrer escapes detention in a WWII camp, escapes to Tibet, and gets to know and teach the young Dalai Lama. "
— Barbara, 11/21/2010 -
" Such an amazing book. what insight he gives into an unknown world. "
— Danielle, 11/13/2010 -
" I really enjoyed learning more about Tibet and now I feel like I want to help them gain freedom yet I don't feel like there is anything I can do! Definitely worth reading "
— Amanda, 10/8/2010
About Heinrich Harrer
Heinrich Harrer (1912 – 2006) was born in Carinthia. Following his adventures in Tibet, he participated in many mountaineering expeditions and wrote numerous books.
About Tim Pigott-Smith
Tim Pigott-Smith is an award-winning English actor of film, television, and stage and an audiobook narrator. He has narrated several notable television documentaries, including Crimes That Shook the World. He has won two AudioFile Earphones Awards, for The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene and The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyesvky. He was a three-time finalist for the 2006 Audie Award for Best Original Work for the three-part Eyewitness series by Joanna Burke. His film career includes roles in major motion pictures, including V for Vendetta, Quantum of Solace, The Remains of the Day, Gangs of New York, and more. His numerous television credits include Downton Abbey, The Jewel in the Crown, and North and South. He is also a noted radio actor, appearing in many productions on BBC Radio 4, and a regular stage actor in Shakespearean and Greek roles.