[rating:5/5]
Just finished this fascinating book. Arguably, it appears to be the most honest (i.e., authentic) book on Tibet that I’ve yet read. The author shares his journey into modern Tibet and provides interviews the numerous people he mets. He examines the evils of the communist takeover, including the horrors perpetrated upon millions of innocent souls by Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and other monsters.
Consistent with ethical authors who are concerned with reporting facts, rather the create propaganda to support their own view, French tells it like it is – including such things as the flawed policies of the American government to support the communists in pursuit of the almighty dollar, rather than standing up for the freedom of those (i.e., Tibetans) oppressed by the communists. Richard Nixon’s visits to China were discussed and Henry Kissinger’s vile actions were simply unconscionable.
While it is clearly evident that the author has a long history of supporting the Tibetan cause, he also discusses problems inherent with the Tibetan government-in-exile that have aggravated their own cause. Sadly, the author maintains that the mistakes that have already been made will not be resolved until the massive problems within the Chinese (not Tibetan) regime are toppled.
I would highly recommend this book to those interested in this topic.