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Review
A literary masterpiece ... at once erudite and intimate, reflective and funny ... it has the grit and pace of a thriller (DAILY TELEGRAPH )
Powerful and original ... a remarkable achievement (SUNDAY TELEGRAPH )
Extraordinarily vivid ... a gigantic, jaw-dropping, grittily authentic saga (DAILY MAIL )
A publishing phenomenon (SUNDAY TIMES )
Powerful and original ... a remarkable achievement (SUNDAY TELEGRAPH )
Extraordinarily vivid ... a gigantic, jaw-dropping, grittily authentic saga (DAILY MAIL )
A publishing phenomenon (SUNDAY TIMES )
Sunday Telegraph
'Powerful and original ... a remarkable achievement'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
168 of 182 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Have you ever been browsing in a bookstore, picked up something you liked the look of, read the first page and been unable to leave without buying it? That is how I stumbled across Shantaram, one of the most compelling books I have ever read.
Based on a specific period of the author's life (mainly set in Bombay)it covers everything from philosophy and ethics to underworld crime and war. We follow the author as he establishes a free health clinic in a slum, does time in an Indian jail, and goes to war in Afghanistan. It is hard to feel anything but completely attached to the main characters even when they may act in ways that we may not neccessarily approve of.
At a little over 900 pages it may look like a long hard slog but I promise that from the first page you'll be desperate to keep going. Apparently the film rights have already been sold to Johnny Depp and the author, Gregory David Roberts, is in the process of writing a sequel that continues the story of his life.
An absolutely captivating story - I eagerly await the next installment.
155 of 170 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Hmmm...I've read with interest the reviews of this book and I think that you'll agree they are somewhat polarised!
My reading tastes are quite varied, from the Classics to Alex Garland and although I will try to be as objective as possible, the fact is that I really enjoyed this book.
Firstly, I am motivated to write a review for this book because I am at a loss as to how anyone could so vehemently be opposed to it without having an axe to grind with the author, (as opposed to reviewing the actual story), but predominantly because, like other reviewers here, I absolutely loved it and naturally want to share my enthusiasm and recommend it to others.
For me, Shantaram is a truly engaging read. It is exceptionally well paced and will take you on a journey that will, at times, leave you breathless and unable to turn the pages quickly enough. The authors' consummate depiction of character, place and drama will absorb you entirely in a relentless mêlée between the most noble and absolute base capabilities of human nature. Love, loathing, beauty, repugnance, tenderness and brutality - it's all here, in spades. However, there are two sections of this book which will enable you to catch up and assimilate, placed roughly at intervals between the first and second third of the narrative, and again between the second and third section. Believe me, you'll need these opportunities to relax a little.
The story of Lin, his travels, trials, dilemma and relationships with the individuals within the book are both enthralling and captivating in extremis. I would make claim that it is easily placed in my top five `you must read this' books. Such is my enthusiasm for this tome, I have bought several copies of Shantaram as gifts for friends and family, as I wouldn't dream of lending it to anyone, lest it not be returned!
He is certainly neither romantic, nor quixotic with regard to his immoral and corrupt past and, if you have any capacity for considered judgement, it is clear that he is not a merely one-dimensional character. If you find that you have no empathy with Lin, who has indeed led a fairly intense and criminal life, then you have either a very modest imagination, or are just a tiny bit dead inside.
As for the ending, well, I didn't find it disappointing, or that it `fizzled out' in the least. If you want a definitive conclusion to every storyline, then stick to Andy McNab, or the Hollywood film industry. The art of great entertainment is to have both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and to be left wanting more - I can't wait for further output from Gregory David Roberts.
So, "if you read only one book this year", make sure it's Shantaram.
My reading tastes are quite varied, from the Classics to Alex Garland and although I will try to be as objective as possible, the fact is that I really enjoyed this book.
Firstly, I am motivated to write a review for this book because I am at a loss as to how anyone could so vehemently be opposed to it without having an axe to grind with the author, (as opposed to reviewing the actual story), but predominantly because, like other reviewers here, I absolutely loved it and naturally want to share my enthusiasm and recommend it to others.
For me, Shantaram is a truly engaging read. It is exceptionally well paced and will take you on a journey that will, at times, leave you breathless and unable to turn the pages quickly enough. The authors' consummate depiction of character, place and drama will absorb you entirely in a relentless mêlée between the most noble and absolute base capabilities of human nature. Love, loathing, beauty, repugnance, tenderness and brutality - it's all here, in spades. However, there are two sections of this book which will enable you to catch up and assimilate, placed roughly at intervals between the first and second third of the narrative, and again between the second and third section. Believe me, you'll need these opportunities to relax a little.
The story of Lin, his travels, trials, dilemma and relationships with the individuals within the book are both enthralling and captivating in extremis. I would make claim that it is easily placed in my top five `you must read this' books. Such is my enthusiasm for this tome, I have bought several copies of Shantaram as gifts for friends and family, as I wouldn't dream of lending it to anyone, lest it not be returned!
He is certainly neither romantic, nor quixotic with regard to his immoral and corrupt past and, if you have any capacity for considered judgement, it is clear that he is not a merely one-dimensional character. If you find that you have no empathy with Lin, who has indeed led a fairly intense and criminal life, then you have either a very modest imagination, or are just a tiny bit dead inside.
As for the ending, well, I didn't find it disappointing, or that it `fizzled out' in the least. If you want a definitive conclusion to every storyline, then stick to Andy McNab, or the Hollywood film industry. The art of great entertainment is to have both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and to be left wanting more - I can't wait for further output from Gregory David Roberts.
So, "if you read only one book this year", make sure it's Shantaram.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Based on a true story, the tale of a wanted Australian ex-convict who moves to Bombay; sets up a medical clinic in the slums; joins the Indian mafia and even goes to war in Afghanistan is gripping stuff. Those looking for a thriller or fast-paced ride will be disappointed - whilst Roberts includes plenty of action, he also vividly describes not only his surroundings but also his personal interactions with the residents and foreign nationals in Bombay. It is in this way that Shantaram excels, as a tale of how Roberts fits into the hugely varied Bombay lifestyle. In one way, Shantaram is almost a love story, with many of Roberts' actions revolving around a woman he loves - however, his propensity for getting into various dangerous situations meant that I couldn't put the book down. Whilst it is quite long, almost 1,000 pages of small type, it will keep you entertained and fascinated throughout, with Roberts' descriptions of India totally immersing you in his experiences.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Simply delicious!
This is simply the most delicious book I've ever read - and if that makes you think it's "fluffy" then think again! Read more
Published 14 hours ago by Nicola
Just enjoy it
I do detest the relentless, boring blah, that is the reviewer who goes on about writing style, composition etc, etc. Read more
Published 1 day ago by S. Roberts
Great yarn
Gregory David Roberts's Shantaram is supposed to be partly autobiographical, or at least loosely based on the author's own experience. Read more
Published 6 days ago by reader 451
One of the best books I ever read
This is an amazing adventure story which will keep you captivated, and the best part of all it's all true! It's quite a chunky book but do yourself a favour and give it a go!
Published 19 days ago by pirata
Shantaram
An extraordinary true account of a time spent living in the slums of Bombay whilst on the run from a criminal past. Highly descriptive yet also poignant and very soulful. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Carolyn Stubbs
Only half way through it and cant put it down
What a story, brilliantly written and the insight it has given me into the life in India from all class's from the slums up to the high flyers. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Cburge87
Shantaram - Not in a nutshell
I walked into Crossword and stumbled upon the book - Shantaram. I started reading the first few pages and was unable to leave without buying it! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Prasanna Rengarajan
This is one book that definatley needs to be made into a film!
Wow best and most gripping book that I have ever read! I have also had a love affair with India for some years now and this incrediable (based on some of the authors real life... Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. Murray
Outstanding
Unbeatable read: moving, meaningful, gripping, emotionally intelligent... utterly un-put-down-able. The longest book I've ever read by far, and I wish the end had never come.
Published 2 months ago by TC
Shantaram
I absolutely loved it. This is an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. Shame they haven't got this book available on kindle though.
Published 2 months ago by E. Boolaky
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