If you're into epic quests, pioneering women, or anything to do with travel writing, "My Journey to Lhasa" will blow your mind! Alexandra David-Neel's story of sneaking into Tibet in 1924 - disguised as a beggar - has all the hallmarks of high adventure, resilience, and a true love for the unknown. The tales of hardship, mystical encounters, and border crossings keep the pages turning, and her observations about Tibetan culture are fascinating. Adventurers, armchair travelers, and anyone curious about Buddhist history or early 20th-century explorations will be inspired.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find the early chapters a bit slow or repetitive, and the old-fashioned style can take adjusting to. The author's occasional use of Tibetan words without much explanation, and a lack of deep dives into certain magical topics she witnesses, can be frustrating for those wanting more detail. If you're hoping for a seamless modern narrative or detailed scenery painting, this might not be your cup of tea. Additionally, newer printings have typos or lack the original photos, which some readers really miss.

A timeless adventure! Alexandra David-Neel's perilous, boundary-smashing journey into Lhasa is part adventure, part cultural history, and totally captivating - well worth the read for anyone ready to be amazed by real-life feats.

About:

'My Journey to Lhasa' by Alexandra David-Neel is a captivating account of the author's adventurous journey to the Forbidden City of Lhasa, Tibet, in 1923. The book details her remarkable experiences as she navigates through challenging terrains, encounters various individuals, and delves into the rich Tibetan culture and religion. Through vivid descriptions, the author portrays her unwavering determination, love for adventure, and deep respect for the Tibetan people she meets along the way.

Alexandra David-Neel's writing style in 'My Journey to Lhasa' is praised for its engaging narrative, descriptive prose, and insightful observations. Readers are drawn into the story of this courageous French woman who defied societal norms to embark on a perilous journey, showcasing her resilience, intelligence, and spiritual curiosity. The book provides a unique glimpse into a bygone era of exploration and discovery, offering a blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and personal growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging yet somewhat dated, characterized by vivid descriptions and occasional use of Tibetan terms.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a woman's daring and challenging trek to Lhasa, where she adopts a disguise as a beggar to navigate dangers and cultural hurdles.

Setting:

The setting is early 20th century Tibet, highlighting its harsh yet beautiful landscapes and cultural mystique.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but picks up significantly, maintaining interest with a mix of adventure and descriptive passages.

in the freely accessible and more intellectual parts of north-eastern Thibet, than in the capital,sj What decided me to go to Lhasa was, above all,’ the absurdprohibition which closes Thibet. A prohib...

Genres:

Topics:

exploration

tibetan buddhism

cultural observations

harsh climatic conditions

adventure

personal growth

courageous female explorer

cultural exchange

Notes:

Alexandra David-Neel was the first Western woman to enter Lhasa, Tibet.

She disguised herself as a beggar to sneak into the Forbidden City of Lhasa.

The journey took place in the harsh winter, making it even more challenging.

David-Neel was 55 years old at the time of her journey.

She traveled with her adopted son, a Mongolian lama named Jongden.

She faced dangers like rough terrain, extreme weather, and disease throughout her travels.

The book was first published in 1927 and is still considered engaging today.

David-Neel was a noted Buddhist scholar and wrote 25 books on Eastern themes after her trek.

She showed great respect and love for Tibetan culture despite the hardships she encountered.

The book contains elements of mystery and magic, hinting at a deeper exploration of these themes in her other works.

Readers appreciated her strong-willed and intelligent character, as well as her sense of humor.

The original publication included beautiful photos of old Tibet, which some newer editions lack.

From The Publisher:

An exemplary travelogue of danger and achievement by the Frenchwoman Madame Alexandra David-Neel of her 1923 expedition to Tibet, the fifth in her series of Asian travels, and her personal recounting of her journey to Lhasa, Tibet's forbidden city.

In order to penetrate Tibet and reach Lhasa, she used her fluency of Tibetan dialects and culture, disguised herself as a beggar with yak hair extensions and inked skin and tackled some of the roughest terrain and climate in the World. With the help of her young companion, Yongden, she willingly suffered the primitive travel conditions, frequent outbreaks of disease, the ever-present danger of border control and the military to reach her goal.

The determination and sheer physical fortitude it took for this woman, delicately reared in Paris and Brussels, is inspiration for men and women alike.

David-Neel is famous for being the first Western woman to have been received by any Dalai Lama and as a passionate scholar and explorer of Asia, hers is one of the most remarkable of all travellersߴales.

1927

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301 pages

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My Journey to Lhasa: The Classic Story of the Only Western Woman Who Succeeded in Entering the Forbidden City

Alexandra David-Neel

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