Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Book of 2005, September 14, 2006
It's just not fair. Gregory David Roberts is one of the best writers of our time, and I do not make that statement lightly. I am usually a 350-400 page novel-reader -- I like to get in and get out. But after reading the first paragraph (I dare you to read it and NOT be interested in seeing where he goes), I couldn't stop thinking about it. Actually, I read the first paragraph in Borders, put it down and went home. I simply didn't want to start a 900 page novel. But I couldn't get the passage out of my head the whole night, and returned the next day to purchase it. This book is magical. It reads like the best non-fiction adventure novel (!) ever written. I gave the book to my dad for his birthday and about a month later asked him how it was going. He told me that he had 100 pages left but hadn't read in two weeks because he "didn't want it to end."
Instead of a synopsis of the book, which is available in so many places, I thought I'd tell you my thoughts about the book and how it impacted me and those around me. I hope it helps. I tell everyone about this book and always say the same two things:
1) Don't let the 900 pages scare you.
2) Read the first paragraph. If you aren't interested in that, don't go on. But if that paragraph doesn't inspire you, I have no idea why you read in the first place. You can read the first page here on Amazon.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique and Moving, August 21, 2006
It doesn't get much better that Shantaram. After being intigued by the author's life story on the flap of the book, I decided it was worth a try. Gregory exceeded every expectation I had and amazed me with his gift for storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to make the reader think. Every chapter entertained as well as educated. His ability to recognize and describe peoples' character in a way the reader can readily identify with and decide to love or hate is extraordinary.
Not only does he give an entertaining and insightful view of the Indian people, culture, and the situation in Mumbai during the 80's, he also weaves in his and others' philosophies about anything and everything. Whether you agree or not with him or his charaters, you are moved to at least consider and reflect on what you believe and accept.
Give Shantaram a chance and you will be so enthralled for 900+ pages that you won't want it to end!
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Man of Peace, Humour, Wisdom; and a great storyteller!, August 8, 2004
There's no doubt about it - Shantaram is a great read. Roberts weaves personal insight with a tale of high adventure while on the run from the law that is at times profound, at times laugh-out-loud funny, and always a ripping good read. The semi-fictional events in this book are based on the author's true life experiences while on the run from the Australian authorities for a string of armed bank robberies. Roberts flees to Mumbai, India, where he joins the local Bombay mafia, falls in love, smuggles arms and contraband to Afghanistan, sets up a medical clinic, and discoveres his true identity in a sort of middle-life coming-of-age tale. Above all, Shantaram is a great read and can be read as a thriller, a travel adventure, a love story and a philosophical journey; this book had me turning the pages until the early morning hours. Enjoy.
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