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Shantaram: A Novel Paperback – October 1, 2005

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 37,212 ratings

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“It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured.”


An escaped convict with a false passport, Lin flees maximum security prison in Australia for the teeming streets of Bombay, where he can disappear. Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, the two enter the city’s hidden society of beggars and gangsters, prostitutes and holy men, soldiers and actors, and Indians and exiles from other countries, who seek in this remarkable place what they cannot find elsewhere.

As a hunted man without a home, family, or identity, Lin searches for love and meaning while running a clinic in one of the city’s poorest slums, and serving his apprenticeship in the dark arts of the Bombay mafia. The search leads him to war, prison torture, murder, and a series of enigmatic and bloody betrayals. The keys to unlock the mysteries and intrigues that bind Lin are held by two people. The first is Khader Khan: mafia godfather, criminal-philosopher-saint, and mentor to Lin in the underworld of the Golden City. The second is Karla: elusive, dangerous, and beautiful, whose passions are driven by secrets that torment her and yet give her a terrible power.

Burning slums and five-star hotels, romantic love and prison agonies, criminal wars and Bollywood films, spiritual gurus and mujaheddin guerrillas―this huge novel has the world of human experience in its reach, and a passionate love for India at its heart.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Shantaram is a novel of the first order, a work of extraordinary art, a thing of exceptional beauty. If someone asked me what the book was about, I would have to say everything, every thing in the world. Gregory David Roberts does for Bombay what Lawrence Durrell did for Alexandria, what Melville did for the South Seas, and what Thoreau did for Walden Pond: He makes it an eternal player in the literature of the world.” ―Pat Conroy

Shantaram has provided me with the richest reading experience to date and I don't expect anybody to unseat its all-round performance for a long time. It is seductive, powerful, complex, and blessed with a perfect voice. Like a voodoo ghost snatcher, Gregory David Roberts has captured the spirits of the likes of Henri Charrière, Rohinton Mistry, Tom Wolfe, and Mario Vargas Llosa, fused them with his own unique magic, and built the most gripping monument in print. The land of the god Ganesh has unchained the elephant, and with the monster running amok, I tremble for the brave soul dreaming of writing a novel about India. Gregory David Roberts is a suitable giant, a dazzling guru, and a genius in full.” ―Moses Isegawa, author of Abyssinian Chronicles and Snakepit

“Shantaram is, quite simply, the 1001 Arabian Nights of the new century. Anyone who loves to read has been looking for this book all their reading life. Anyone who walks away from Shantaram untouched is either heartless or dead or both. I haven't had such a wonderful time in years.” ―Jonathan Carroll, author of White Apples

“Shantaram is dazzling. More importantly, it offers a lesson...that those we incarcerate are human beings. They deserve to be treated with dignity. Some of them, after all, may be exceptional. Some may even possess genius.” ―Ayelet Waldman, author of Crossing the Park

“Utterly unique, absolutely audacious, and wonderfully wild,
Shantaram is sure to catch even the most fantastic of imaginations off guard.” ―Elle

Shantaram had me hooked from the first sentence. [It] is thrilling, touching, frightening...a glorious wallow of a novel.” ―Detroit Free Press

“[A] sprawling, intelligent novel…full of vibrant characters…the exuberance of his prose is refreshing…Roberts brings us through Bombay's slums and opium houses, its prostitution dens and ex-pat bars, saying, You come now. And we follow.” ―
The Washington Post

“Inspired storytelling.” ―
People

“Vivid, entertaining. Its visceral, cinematic descriptive beauty truly impresses.” ―
USA Today

“Few stand out quite like
Shantaram …nothing if not entertaining. Sometimes a big story is its own best reward.” ―The New York Times

“...very good...vast of vision and breadth.” ―
Time Out

“This massive autobiographical novel draws heavily from Roberts' vida loca. Don't let the size scare you away –
Shantaram is one of the most gripping tales of personal redemption you'll ever read.” ―Giant Magazine

“This reviewer is amazed that Roberts is here to write anything. Swallowed up by the abyss, somehow he crawled out intact….His love for other people was his salvation…Powerful books can change our lives. The potency of
Shantaram is the joy of forgiveness. First we must regret, then forgive. Forgiveness is a beacon in the blackness.” ―Dayton Daily News

Shantaram is loads of colorful fun, [it] rises to something grand in its evocations of the pungent chaos of Bombay. ” ―Minneapolis Star Tribune

Shantaram is a true epic. It is a huge, messy, over-the-top irresistible shaggy-dog story.” ―The Seattle Times

About the Author

Gregory David Roberts, the author of Shantaram and its sequel, The Mountain Shadow, was born in Melbourne, Australia. Sentenced to nineteen years in prison for a series of armed robberies, he escaped and spent ten of his fugitive years in Bombay―where he established a free medical clinic for slum-dwellers, and worked as a counterfeiter, smuggler, gunrunner, and street soldier for a branch of the Bombay mafia. Recaptured, he served out his sentence, and established a successful multimedia company upon his release. Roberts is a now full-time writer and lives in Bombay.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition (October 1, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 944 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312330537
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312330538
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.45 x 1.55 x 8.15 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 37,212 ratings

About the author

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Gregory David Roberts
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Gregory David Roberts (GDR), is an author, songwriter, composer and artist. He’s best known for his best-selling novel Shantaram, which has sold over 7 million copies and was hailed “a masterpiece” by critics. It has been translated into 44 languages and is sold in over 116 countries. 

A TV series based on Shantaram is due to air on Apple TV+ in October 2022; starring Charlie Hunnam as the lead. 

The follow-up novel, The Mountain Shadow was released in 2015.

In 2021, GDR published The Spiritual Path, which takes us on a gripping personal journey of wonder and insight into science, belief, faith and devotion, where Roberts describes the step-by-step path, he followed in search of spiritual connection. 

GDR released his debut album Love&Faith in 2020, co-produced by GDR and Dale “Dizzle” Virgo (Drake/ Rihanna/ Kendrick Lamar).

Expect the unexpected from this creative maverick as GDR continues to expand his music repertoire, write and create art. 

www.gregorydavidroberts.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
37,212 global ratings
Huge romping, evolving, penetrating your soul story!
5 Stars
Huge romping, evolving, penetrating your soul story!
I picked this book up on a sale table at a book store after passing it twice. It had a beautiful cover of an old, Indian-looking, stone building along a shore. Bombay. But the size was intimidating to this slow reader, 933 pages! I asked the woman on staff with whom I always have good conversations if she read it. She highly recommended it. Then, later I decided to get the audio and e-book, because the book was so heavy. So glad I did; first, because the book would be so uncomfortable to try to hold for any length of time, and second, because the man who did the narration was absolutely enchanting, imitating all the accents and voices unbelievably well. Now for the story. It isn't the type of fiction I normally read. It's rough, it's sometimes violent, and it isn't for people who get squeamish easily. Nope, you need your big panties on for this one, and you will be rewarded for your courage. The best stories are ones where the protagonist evolves. These are ones I eat up, can't wait to get back to. This is one of those The author used his experiences to form the basis of the main character's life. Roberts was a thief and an addict in Australia when he was arrested and sentenced to nineteen years in prison. He made a daring and infamous daytime escape from prison and smuggled into Bombay to build a life of contrasts, from operating a free clinic in the slums to working for one of the biggest mafias in the city. The writing is arguably some of the finest I've ever read. His descriptions are magical. Pat Conroy said it is "a work of extraordinary art, a thing of exceptional beauty." I'm sad that I've finished it, it was with me for such a long time. I'll miss his character, Lin, and all those he grew to love. Of course, I, and I am sure other readers, are left wondering, what parts were true? What parts did he make up? But there is a sequel! The Mountain Shadow. I'll let you know how that one is too!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
Shantaram, penned by Gregory David Roberts, is a tour de force of storytelling that has the power to transport readers to the vibrant streets of Mumbai. From the very first page, this extraordinary novel captivates with its sprawling narrative and deeply introspective exploration of the human spirit.

Roberts' mesmerizing prose beautifully weaves a tapestry of emotions, taking readers on a rollercoaster journey through love, loss, redemption, and self-discovery. The vibrant and vivid descriptions of the city of Mumbai, its bustling markets, and the diverse characters that inhabit its streets breathe life into every scene.

The protagonist, Lin, is a complex and fascinating character, flawed and yet utterly relatable. As we accompany him on his path of self-reflection and redemption, we are immersed in his innermost thoughts, fears, and desires, forging a profound and lasting connection.

Beyond its captivating storytelling, Shantaram delves deep into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the nature of good and evil. It challenges our preconceived notions, forcing us to question our own moral compasses and the intricacies of the human condition.

Roberts' richly detailed portrayal of the colorful array of characters Lin encounters creates an immersive reading experience. Each individual springs to life, with their joys, struggles, and downfalls masterfully crafted. The genuine sense of empathy and understanding extends beyond the boundaries of fiction, evoking raw emotions and prompting self-reflection.

At over 900 pages, Shantaram may seem daunting, but every page is worth the journey. The pacing is expertly balanced, offering moments of heart-pounding action, tender introspection, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. As the narrative unfolds, the bonds formed between the characters deepen, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart.

Shantaram is a novel that transcends genres and defies categorization. It is a literary experience, an emotional masterpiece, and a testament to the power of words. Gregory David Roberts' ability to transport readers to another world, all while delving into profound existential questions, is nothing short of extraordinary.

In conclusion, Shantaram is a captivating and unforgettable odyssey that will leave you breathless, contemplating the intricate beauty of life itself. It is a book that deserves a permanent place on any book lover's shelf, ready to be revisited time and time again.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

By Michael Hooper

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is an epic story about one man’s struggle for freedom, friendship, adventure, love, camaraderie, peace and redemption.

The book is about a man who escapes a prison in Australia and moves to Bombay, where he reinvents himself. He calls himself Lin, which is the name on his fake passport.

In Bombay, he falls into a crowd of expatriates and slum dwellers. One of the first people he meets is Prabakar, a runner/salesman, who meets tourists at train stations, and brings them to hotels and restaurants and takes a cut from the proprietors. He also helps them exchange money, and score hashish. Prabakar takes a liking to Lin and recruits him into his business as a runner helping tourists. Prabaker calls him Linbaba.

I can relate to this job because I worked as a runner helping tourists find hotel rooms in Athens, Greece, when I was a young man.

Prabakar introduces Lin to his mother, who gives him a new name Shantaram, which means man of peace. Although he is not afraid to fight for his freedom, it seems that Lin is struggling for peace and redemption. He had been a heroin addict in Australia, where he lost his wife and child in a divorce. He was arrested for burglary and armed robbery, put in jail but he escapes over the wall and travels to Bombay.

In Bombay, he falls in love with the city, the first thing he notices is its smell, "its sweet sweating smell of hope" and its "sour stifled smell of greed."

One of my favorite places in the book is Leopold’s, a coffee shop bar where he and his friends meet on a regular basis to talk about politics and business and gossip. There he meets people like Karla and Didier Levy, Vickram and Ulla.

His friend Prabakar invites him to live in the slum with him and his family. There he sees great need for medical care, and he starts a free medical clinic. Needing antibiotics and other medical supplies he makes a connection with the lepers of Bombay, who somehow acquire these medical supplies and sell them to him at a discount. He is not a medical doctor, but they call him a doctor. He’s actually trained in ambulatory care He helps people get through many struggles, cuts, bruising, inflections and an outbreak of cholera.

Love is an abiding theme in this book, there is brotherly love, the love of friends and camaraderie, and the love of a father, or a father figure and romantic love.

He falls in love with Karla, who is a very mysterious person with a past in Europe and America. She speaks multiple languages and blends in beautifully into the Bombay lifestyle. Lin is enchanted with her green eyes and beautiful hair and lovely clothing but perhaps most of all he is curious about her mysterious history. His love for Karla is complex taking on various forms -- from friendship to making love to her on a beach under moonlight. He loves their ability to talk for hours and connect.

This book is one part James Michener and one part Ernest Hemingway and another part uniquely Australian.

It captures the pure Wonderlust of Australians. I’ve met so many Australians, who have traveled the world, they’ve been everywhere and done all kinds of different things. The author Gregory David Roberts wrote this book so well because he lived it. He actually did lose his wife and child, while addicted to heroin and getting busted for armed robbery and ending up in jail in Australia. He broke out of jail and went to Bombay to start his life all over again.

One of the most powerful man in Bombay is Abdel Khader Khan, a poet, philosopher and lord of gang of people who work in the black market trades, false passport industry, the gold trade, and the money exchange trade.

Lin works for Khader Khan, who wants him to learn everything about his business.The book goes into detail on how his goondas make money in these trades.

Abdel Kader Khan believes there are various levels of evil depending on the sin. Some sins are worse than others. Lin is really amazed at the man’s commanding presence and ability to generate extreme loyalty. While working in the false passport trade with two specialists, Lin acquires for himself about five passports. When someone’s visa is out of order, they could fix that with a specialty stamp.

Lin goes to great links for Khader Khan.

Another fascinating character in the book is Didier Levy, a 35 year old French Jew, who is a wonderful gossip talk head, who spends a lot of time at Leopold‘s, drinking alcohol and talking with friends, and watching business transact all around them, and getting a cut here and there from some of this business.

He talks about the hashish trade and the local gangsters.

And he talks about Karla. He says she has the power to make men shine like the stars, or crush them to dust.

Karla and Didier once lived together for about a year in Bombay sharing a crazy fractured little apartment. Page 58.

There are many funny and shocking stories in the book, including a description of how the locals in Bombay treat a person who is at fault for a car accident. The locals actually drag the driver out of the car and beat him up. There's also an endearing story about a beloved bear who gets locked up in prison. His caretakers stay in prison with him, so he is not lonely.

Perhaps my favorite theme in the book is camaraderie among friends, especially when they gather at Leopold’s. I believe every person needs a group of friends. It’s tough being alone in this world, indeed it's even tougher when you are in a foreign country and you don't know anybody.

There is some evidence that a person will live longer if they have regular contact with people. I go to a local coffee two or three times a week to visit with my friends. My comrades there are very special to me.

Yet Leopold's is a different kind of place, because it attracts people from all walks of life, Greeks, Germans, Italians, Franch, American, Indian, and Iranians, and Afghans and Arabs and Africans all gathering at this place. There’s nothing quite like it in Topeka, but when I was in Barcelona in 1990 I fell into a crowd of expatriates. I was walking along Las Ramblas, enjoying the sights of people and places along this famous boardwalk. I saw a group of young men led by a tall, gregarious man. He said hello to me, and I said hello back and he asked if I were English, I said America. He asked, "Do you get high?" and I said, "yes," and he said "follow me." We ended at a coffee shop in a Square just off Las Ramblas, where we drank beer and smoked spliff’s. Perhaps my favorite birthday was when I announced that in five minutes, I would be 27 years old. Everybody started singing, happy birthday to me and sharing drinks and joints. We stayed up all night partying and I ended up sleeping on the beach with my comrade Eamon strumming his guitar. It was one of the most exhilarating, romantic, and illuminating experiences in my life.

Shantaram is a huge book at 933 pages. I enjoyed 95% of it. There is some warlord gang fighting that occurs toward the end of the book and this seems to drag on for a while but all in all, I enjoyed the book very much

Shantaram is on Apple TV. The 12 part miniseries is fantastic, but unfortunately was discontinued. I believe Gregory David Roberts was involved in writing the script. In some ways, the book is much better with more detail about life in India.

There is a great deal of charity in the soul of Linbaba, he is always trying to support his friends, and the poor people who live in the slums.

I think the spirit of Linbaba is a man who loves people, who cares about the suffering in the world. Shantaram is an appropriate name for this evolving man of the world.

Top reviews from other countries

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Alicia C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Gran narración, es vivir India
Reviewed in Mexico on July 16, 2023
Me gusta cada página que leo
Fabricio Ferrari
5.0 out of 5 stars frenético e divertido
Reviewed in Brazil on May 17, 2023
interessante em si e para para se ter um relato de Mumbai
Maris
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2024
One of the best. What an amazing story! And totally brought to life by the author. Would love to meet him.
Ajit
5.0 out of 5 stars Book quality is great
Reviewed in India on November 21, 2023
Great story
Rossella
5.0 out of 5 stars Da leggere
Reviewed in Italy on September 13, 2023
L'ho regalato ad una mia amica.
Io l'ho letto qualche anno fa. Bellissimo, da leggere assolutamente, protagonista affascinante e storia avvincente che ti trasporta con lui in India.