This novel tells the story of four Westerners who are kidnapped and taken to the mysterious Shangri-La, a utopian lamasery high in the mountains of Tibet. As they get to know their captors and the peaceful way of life in the lamasery, they must each decide whether or not they want to stay in this idyllic paradise that seemingly offers immortality, or try to escape back to their former lives. The story explores themes of time, happiness, and the often complex choice between the familiar and the unknown.

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Awakening Upon Dying" is a spiritual guide that explores the stages of death and afterlife from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. It provides instructions for the dying and the living, offering meditative and contemplative techniques to prepare for death, navigate the intermediate state (Bardo), and achieve liberation. The book serves as a manual for understanding the transition from life to death, making it less of a fearful experience and more of a conscious, spiritual journey.

The novel is a thrilling adventure set in the 1950s, where a young British film assistant embarks on a perilous journey into the Himalayas to find his missing brother. Along the way, he encounters a hidden Tibetan kingdom, where he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, romance, and political rebellion. As he navigates the treacherous landscape and the complexities of an ancient culture, he discovers a rare and beautiful artifact, the Rose of Tibet, which holds significant power and meaning. His quest becomes a transformative experience, challenging his endurance and reshaping his understanding of the world.

The book provides a comprehensive English translation and interpretation of the Tibetan Buddhist text traditionally read aloud to guide the souls of the deceased during the period between death and rebirth. It delves into the profound philosophical and spiritual teachings that outline the stages of dying, death, and rebirth, offering readers insights into Tibetan rituals and beliefs about life, death, and reincarnation. The translation aims to make these ancient teachings accessible to a modern audience, emphasizing the importance of living a meaningful life and preparing for a mindful death.