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A review by jaybonesjackson
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The story follows the life of the author, in a novel-biography, after his escape from prison and his life in Bombay. I’m not sure how much is fact vs fiction (I hope quite a lot), because his experiences are so outside the realm of an ordinary person (Indian prison, Bombay mafia, war in Afganistan...).
The story is vast and long, during which Bombay is described so richly you could almost imagine yourself walking on the streets in the shoes of the author. The characters are so clearly developed that the reader follows them on the ups and downs of each of their lives, and shares their dreams, heartache and joy.
This book is an investment of time, but so worth it. Even after >900 pages, I am sad that it ended and I want to know more!
The story is vast and long, during which Bombay is described so richly you could almost imagine yourself walking on the streets in the shoes of the author. The characters are so clearly developed that the reader follows them on the ups and downs of each of their lives, and shares their dreams, heartache and joy.
This book is an investment of time, but so worth it. Even after >900 pages, I am sad that it ended and I want to know more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail