Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Click here to buy Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
"Shantaram"
by: Gregory David Roberts.
2004; 944 pages,
rating: 4.5
A friend of mine recommended that I read Shantaram before going to India. She said that it would help me prepare for the differences there, at least a little bit.
She was right.
There are 5 parts to Roberts' novel / autobiography. I was completely engrossed in 4 of the 5.
There was one entire section though that had me wondering just how true this account is.
It's a very good book. Anyone going to India should definitely read it.
I laughed. I cried. And, I'm really glad that I could buy it for my kindle so I didn't have to lug around a 1000 page book.
There were parts that I had to read aloud to Jonathan because they were so funny. And I think I made more notes in this book than I have in any other since high school.
I am truly impressed with Roberts' writing style and ability.
Shantaram is about Roberts' life as a fugitive in India. After escaping from a prison in Australia, Roberts flees to India where he re-discovers love, life in the slums, and eventually works for the Bombay mafia.