I had never heard of Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts until I posted my intention to participate in the Global Reading Challenge this year and Marion recommended it as a potential book. Based on its length (a whopping 933 pages), I was wavering until the title came up again in a review by Bragger. I decided to go ahead and put it on my list. Saving the longest two books chosen for this challenge for last, the time came to pick it up a few weeks ago. Yes, it took me more than two weeks to read it, but I'm really glad I did.
It's difficult to sum up this book in just a paragraph or two. Loosely based on the author's real-life experiences, Shantaram takes place in 1980s Bombay (Mumbai), India. As the book opens we are introduced to Lin, the central character, as he arrives in Bombay using a fake New Zealand passport, having escaped from an Australian prison a few years prior. We follow his story as he lives and operates a medical clinic in the slums, becomes involved with the Bombay mafia, fights his way through Afghanistan as a gunrunner, then returns to Bombay and the mafia.
Often when I finish a book that I've enjoyed, I like to go back and read some of the reviews at Amazon... in particular, the bad reviews to see what they disliked. I can relate a little to some of the complaints. The prose was a little flowery for my taste at times and some of the "philosopy" did seem a bit cliche. However, if I were one to underline or make notations in my books there were many things in this novel I would have marked. I loved the characters and especially loved the setting. From what I can gather, Roberts did a fine job of representing Bombay and the people of India.
I'm so glad I didn't let the length of this book and my short attention span deter me. It's a marvelous tale filled with love, hate, action, adventure, danger, horrors, sorrow and joy. If you enjoy lengthy, sweeping epics I highly recommend it. It was certainly worth my time.
This completes my Asia portion of the Global Reading Challenge. One more book to complete the entire challenge and it's another lengthy one!
It's difficult to sum up this book in just a paragraph or two. Loosely based on the author's real-life experiences, Shantaram takes place in 1980s Bombay (Mumbai), India. As the book opens we are introduced to Lin, the central character, as he arrives in Bombay using a fake New Zealand passport, having escaped from an Australian prison a few years prior. We follow his story as he lives and operates a medical clinic in the slums, becomes involved with the Bombay mafia, fights his way through Afghanistan as a gunrunner, then returns to Bombay and the mafia.
Often when I finish a book that I've enjoyed, I like to go back and read some of the reviews at Amazon... in particular, the bad reviews to see what they disliked. I can relate a little to some of the complaints. The prose was a little flowery for my taste at times and some of the "philosopy" did seem a bit cliche. However, if I were one to underline or make notations in my books there were many things in this novel I would have marked. I loved the characters and especially loved the setting. From what I can gather, Roberts did a fine job of representing Bombay and the people of India.
I'm so glad I didn't let the length of this book and my short attention span deter me. It's a marvelous tale filled with love, hate, action, adventure, danger, horrors, sorrow and joy. If you enjoy lengthy, sweeping epics I highly recommend it. It was certainly worth my time.
This completes my Asia portion of the Global Reading Challenge. One more book to complete the entire challenge and it's another lengthy one!
6 comments:
Sounds like a couple of lengthy tomes you've tackled!
Now that school is out I need to tackle a few of my own.
OMG, I've read 'Shantaram' three times. I can't even think about the character of Prabaker without smiling. (And Chapter 8 about the Standing Babas really blew my mind!) I have to say that this book is in my top ten all-time favorites. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! (Johnny Depp optioned it for a movie, but has yet to make it. Grrrrr. Too damn many stupid pirate movies!!)
xoxo,
Marion
I love the cover of this book but confess I'm put off by your commenting on the flowery prose - something which I also dislike in a novel.
I just don't get the 'flowery prose' comment. I didn't see that at ALL. I found the book to be just perfect!
Marion - It was probably just me, but there were a few places where I thought he could have cut back on some of the adjectives, etc. It certainly didn't keep me from enjoying the book, though. And yes...I think Prabaker was my favorite character! I smile just thinking about him!
Good for you for giving it a go and not giving up. Sounds like my Musashi experience from last year.
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