Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.


Shantaram is one of the books which was on my bookshelf which has been there for as long as I can remember and I always wondered just by looking at the size of it as it's a 933 page long read , how one could write such a long book , I recently read it and I understood that only a man with such a wide variety of experiences in his life could write it . The book is about an Australian convict and heroin addict who escapes from Pentridge Prison and flees to India who then resides in a slum hoping he wouldn't be noticed which later turns into a failure as he is soon recognized for his medical talents and approached by the local mafia. It's a book full of emotions, colors,  grief of loss , cruelty and love . The main character , Lin describes India so specifically that though being an Indian  , I had the opportunity to discover India in a completely different way. The author draws the readers into a stuffy atmosphere in Mumbai and loses in it. The book does not skip penury and heavy conditions of living in India but also underlines the qualities of this country. The author excellently describes the personalities around him, all these unalike characters he encounters while living in the heart of India. Prabhaker is one of the most likable characters in the book because of his optimistic views towards life and how he never fails to see the good in people. There are many times when the author offers his thoughts on life, it's meaning and purpose. After reading   Shantaram , it's hard to look at life as it was before and presents a new meaning to itself .

Comments

  1. Sneha Ashan13 May 2020 at 23:12

    Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A Book Connoisseur14 May 2020 at 13:21

    Dear Ms. Sneha,

    So Good to read another Book review from YOU, albeit after a hiatus of 1/12th of an year.

    And this time again, you have chosen another Masterpiece. This one the debut effort (and I guess his only), of Gregory David Roberts. Shantaram - A Man of/in/for Peace !!! The Book is mostly his autobiographical experiences, but reportedly has elements of fiction as well.

    In a few yet very crisp & precise words you have portrayed the meditative flavour of the book, which reflects upon Life and its uncertainities but at the same time also brings out positivity in many shades. I do have a bias and liking for Indian Authors or Authors who base their stories / expereinces out of India. The situations, characters and their emotions are more relatable.

    Am certain after reading your review all those having this Book on their shelves untouched (owing to the bulk of it), will surely have a go at it !!!

    Keep them coming Miss, and more frequently at that !!!


    - Jack The Hopeless, drunk up on the thoughts of a B. Boozer !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sneha Ashan14 May 2020 at 21:58

      The author has written another book, can call it as a sequel but not entirely. Thanks a lot!

      Delete
    2. A Book Connoisseur14 May 2020 at 22:52

      Ohkkk.. Noted... Whts the name of the Book ???

      Delete
    3. Sneha Ashan14 May 2020 at 23:03

      The Mountain Shadow.

      Delete

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