One of my favorite experiences is when I read a book that forever alters my thinking, attitude, and ultimately my life. I recently read “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts, and how I see the world now is forever changed. Loosely based on the author’s life, the book starts out with Lin (the main character/author) arriving in India. He has escaped from a twenty year prison sentence in Australia, and has come to India on the lam. Without giving too much away, Lin experiences love, friendship, gun smuggling, and forgery while in India; yet in my opinion, he becomes a better person. He makes the realization that he will never be perfect, but that he can become help better humanity in his corner of the world.
Roberts’ does an amazing job of painting the life and culture of India in the late 80s, early 90s. His portrayal of the Indian people is fascinating as well. Some of his main characters were so vibrant, that I found myself thinking that they were my friends as well.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the “realness” of most of the characters. Many are not upstanding citizens (mafia dons, gangsters, criminals, drug users, etc.) but they are all honorable people. They are all people who help those they are able to, and they are true friends, there whenever you need & for whatever you need.
This book has made it on must read/top recommendation list, and that isn’t an easy feat :) In fact my desire to head to India has increased immensely because of this book. I hope that everyone that reads this book enjoys it as much as I do, and I hope that after you read this your view on humanity is a little altered, like mine. Happy Reading!