Lost Horizon

8 ways to start a deeper conversation.

Contains spoilers for the entire book.

Discussion topics

Topic 01 of 08

Why does Hilton tell Conway's story secondhand, through Rutherford and his manuscript?

There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.

Why does Hilton tell Conway's story secondhand, through Rutherford and his manuscript?
Keep the conversation going
- Did the frame make you believe the story more or less?
- What did you make of Conway's lost memory?
How do the four passengers react to being flown off into the mountains?
Keep the conversation going
- What does each one's reaction show about them?
- Who did you most want to be stranded with?
What makes Shangri-La so tempting?
Keep the conversation going
- What is the principle of 'moderation' there?
- Would you want to live there?
What makes Conway so suited to Shangri-La?
Keep the conversation going
- What has the war done to him?
- Why does he feel at home there so quickly?
Why is Mallinson so desperate to leave?
Keep the conversation going
- Is his impatience youthful foolishness or common sense?
- Was Conway fair to him?
What does the High Lama offer Conway, and why choose him?
Keep the conversation going
- What do you think of his fears for the world outside?
- What would you do with the time he offers?
What did you make of Lo-Tsen, and of what happens to her when she leaves?
Keep the conversation going
- Does her fate prove the High Lama right?
- Why does Conway doubt it?
Why does Conway leave Shangri-La, and why does he try to go back?
Keep the conversation going
- Did he make the right choice?
- Does he ever find it again?

There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.