In this “engagingly written” international bestseller, survivors of a plane crash discover a peaceful paradise hidden in the Himalayas called Shangri-La (The New York Times). Hugh Conway saw humanity at its worst while fighting in the trenches of the First World War. Now, more than a decade later, Conway is a British diplomat serving in Afghanistan and facing war yet again—this time, a civil … again—this time, a civil conflict forces him to flee the country by plane.
When his plane crashes high in the Himalayas, Conway and the other survivors are found by a mysterious guide and led to a breathtaking discovery: the hidden valley of Shangri-La.
Kept secret from the world for more than two hundred years, Shangri-La is like paradise—a place whose inhabitants live for centuries amid the peace and harmony of the fertile valley. But when the leader of the Shangri-La monastery falls ill, Conway and the others must face the daunting prospect of returning home to a world about to be torn open by war.
Thrilling and timeless, Lost Horizon is a masterpiece of modern fiction, and one of the most enduring classics of the twentieth century.
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A classic. If you didn’t read it in high school, the time has come.
This is a beloved classic for many reasons. It tells the story of a party of travelers being evacuated from a war zone. Their airplane is Shanghaid by an unknown pilot, and they are plunged into a trip through the Tibetan mountains, where an accident leaves them to be rescued by mountain people. They are led to an old monastery and given food and …
One of my all time favorite books.
I’ve seen the movies made from this book — the 1940’s version and the one that was made, probably in the 80’s or ’90’s — a musical. The book was much more interesting, although the original movie kept pretty much to the book, with a few exceptions. I liked it very much and will probably re-read at a later date.
I could not put this book down. It gives one a lot to think about.
I’m writing from my memory of this novel from when I was young. It was so imaginative and I loved going to the magical place.
could not get into it. may try again…
This book is intriguing, but it’s also kind of a hard read. It was written around 1930, and the culture of the time is hard to relate to. Still, it’s worth reading just for the fantasy and makes you think Shangri La wouldn’t be a bad place to live at all.
The subject is handled so well by a most talented writer. I can’t wait to read more of his books!
I try to read classics. Some I wonder what made them a classic. Was it the first of It’s kind or ahead of It’s time.
I heard the book on the radio when I was younger, I enjoyed that version better
This book was dry
Loved it when I read it – about 40 years ago!
I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time I read it over 50 years ago. It will give you many things to think about.
an old classic!
not as interesting as when I read it the first time many years ago.
Very interesting. Thought provoking.
For me, this was a reread of a book I first read 40 years ago. A good story well told.
Beautifully descriptive book with the most extensive vocabulary I’ve seen in a long time.
A classic with wonderful word usage.
I loved this book and will read it again.