Hilton-what a ride!

I enjoy the ability of an author to "take you away" "Cigars had burned low, and we were beginning to sample the disillusionment that usually affects old school friends who have met again as men and found themselves with less in common than they had believed they had." Cigars burning low denotes a passage of time and celibate gentlemen were not uncommon characters in novels of that era. Three men: an embassy secretaray, an author and a neurologist. But is this style a bit reminiscent of Bronte and Dickens-a book within a book? A story telling device. Another character revealing device used by the author, train rides and plane rides. So I am very much enjoying the "story telling."

But don't you like Hilton's descriptions? He describes the sea as having a "pale, sticky look, like condensed milk." And Miss Brinklow's comment about traversing the sky as the will of God. And Conway's mental comment"the will of God or the lunacy of man" or the will of man or the lunacy of God" at the beginning of Chapter 2.

And Conway was not only an athlete but a pianist. Spoke several languages and was kind (at least to narrator) p. 13 Was a thesbpian. And was likeable. A Rennaisance Man if you will. And apparently, in spite of what Sanders says is "alive". Rutherford gives us a hint into Conway's character by saying he (Conway) was cheerful but lacked personal desire. This is in the prologue before the story begins to unfold. And the narrator asserts that Conway had a " ... peculiar charm, a sort of winsomeness that's pleasant to remember". This guy has charisma!! But who is Rutherford to say that Conway should have been "great". Must we all be ambitious to be honorable. He wasn't an "earth shatterer"; he was a life toucher. Isn't that great? You see, Conway is my hero. He doesn't affect people "on purpose". He just is!

nothing clever comes to mind

I have really enjoyed the book. It really does grab you at the beginning with the two men talking about Conway. I think the piano playing was quite weird, but I'm sure it'll come back full circle and explain.

I think Conway is considered 'brave' because he is naturally good, according to other characters, at dealing with people. So when others, like Mallison, are freaking out, he is able to keep his cool and think through the situation clearly. I think part of this natural ability is him being able to read people well. To sit back and be quiet and observe. I feel I can compare Mallison to two other women I know. Conway is in control of himself. Part of this is age and experience. And as far as being 'great' I thought the one man who found him said that he choose what he did in the war and enjoyed it. I think all that experience will help him in Shangri-la. I'm sure Conway is brave, great and all those other things and in a very realistic and not fantized way.

Hugh (who) is Conway? Nice play on words.

After the pilot (hijacker) lands, refuels the tank and takes off again, Mallinson as a result of his maniacal state makes a couple of statements, based upon prior interactions at work, that lead the reader to deduce certain attributes or abilities that Conway may posses. The question is though, does he?

Mallinson says, "...we're damned lucky in having him with us in a tight corner like this." Quickly followed by "...he's got a sort of way with him in dealing with people. If anyone can get us out of the mess, he'll do it." Chapter 1. He speaks about Conway as if he were a hero, a real go-getter, a dare devil quick to action in all situations, desiring to be the man in charge.

Miss Brinklow adds "I think he looks like a very brave man." Chapter 1. As one of her few remarks, I am lead to believe that her statement is based solely upon assumptions. Conway remains quiet while the others argue, he "pretends" to relax and sleep while the others are uptight about the situation and he has kept his cool in a dangerous situation. At first glance he appears to be "brave" but what does Conway think, feel or see?

He sits in his seat contemplating the thoughts and words of the others on his behalf and discredits most of them. His reminiscence of various time periods causes him to discount their comments based upon his life experiences. He "was far less certain that he was a very brave man." He foresees his so called bravery as a call to duty because the four of them have found themselves in such an awkward situation. He denies, introspectively, the perceptions of his character as stated by Mallinson and is even "dismayed" by the very thought.

So the question, as stated previously is...who is Conway? Is his true character what the others perceive or is it more accurately defined by his own perceptions?

Hugh Conway--Certainly Glorious, but Great?

Conway described as: "a jolly fine chap," "certainly clever," "extraordinarily kind," "remarkable," "extremely good looking," "just brilliant," and possessing a "peculiar charm," and a "queer core of attractiveness," certainly had a lot of potential. Prologue. Perhaps it is these qualities or at least the ability to seem to possess these qualities that makes him glorious and well-deserving of his nickname.

But is Conway really all these things and if so, is he living to his full potential? Those are the two questions I expect this book to answer. Rutherford, the narrator, notes that "Conway was--or should have been--great." Prologue.

Conway does not seem at this point to feel fulfilled nor to be achieving his full potential of greatness. While he wasn't unhappy, he had only a "moderately enjoyable decade," no family, and while meeting with his friends was a pleasant prospect it was nothing to "sigh for in anticipation." Ch. 1. Though capable of hard work, Conway was not "passionately fond of activity, and did not enjoy responsibility at all." Ch. 1. He was not especially ambitious and simply had "a love of quietness, contemplation, and being alone." Thus far, it appears that while Conway is content in his life he lacks a passion or a cause or even a relationship with any person that would motivate him to achieve greatness. I suspect and hope this will change as he gets to know people in Shangri-La.

I'M BACK!!!

This post is for all of your Freestone's that have missed me so much. I would like to give a shout out to Debs and let you know that all of my comments on the book will be interesting, intellectual and with the intent to ruffle your feathers. For the rest of the Freestone's reading the book, I hope that we can interact like adults and enjoy what is posted.

Unlike Tecia, I have not even thought about checking out the book from the library or finding out where the library is for that matter. However, in order to get Shyla off of my freaking back I will try to find the library tomorrow.

It is nice to be in good company again. Enjoy the book.

Reading

Dear family, it may please more of you than others to know that I am reading the book. Shyla talked me into it and Mom had an extra copy for me. I think Eddie will read it when I'm in the hospital, not that it matters, he doesn't comment, but still.

I have read the prologue and chap.1. It really grabs your attention at the beginning. So if you haven't started, you will like it, I'm sure.

I hoping it will help pass Annie's late night feedings.

Tecia

Lost Horizon: Fun Facts

Shangri-La has become a byword for a mythical utopia--a permanently happy land, isolated from the world.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt named the Presidential hideaway in Maryland after Shangri-La. (It has since been renamed Camp David.)

Lost Horizon has been made into two films and served as the basis for a Broadway musical.

Zhongdian, a mountain region of southwest China, has now been renamed Shangri-La (Xianggelila), based on its claim to have inspired Hilton's book.

Shangri-La is referenced in various songs including songs by Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Billy Idol, Stevie Nicks, AC/DC, a duet by Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby, and Motley Crue.

The United States navy named one of its aircraft carriers USS Shangri-La.

Because of its position as Number One in what became a very long list of Pocket editions, James Hilton's Lost Horizon is often cited as the first American paperback book, which is not correct. Some (including Nikki and Wikipedia) claim the first paperback book was The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, but this is also hotly debated.