“The past reflects eternally between two mirrors—the bright mirror of words and deeds, and the dark one, full of things we didn’t do or say.” – Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram

            Gregory David Robert’s Shantaram is one of the best (and longest) novels I have ever read. By the time I got through the book’s 933 pages, I felt like I had been right there with the protagonist, Lindsay, through the good and bad, and trust me when I say it is exhausting just living it vicariously.

             I won’t get into a plot synopsis because you can easily Google the book and see what it’s all about, but I will say that it has three main themes that hold the narrative together:

It’s a book about the philosophy of life & love.

It’s a poignant portrait of India and its people, specifically Bombay (Mumbai).

Lastly, it’s a true adventure story packed with action and suspense.

            Shantaram one of the few books I feel validated in using the old cliché, “I couldn’t put it down.” Seriously, it was enthralling; if I could steal five minutes here or there, I’d read another page or two. I stayed home on Friday nights to get a couple chapters deeper–it was unhealthy and antisocial, but I couldn’t help it!

            Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the story is that it’s largely based on the author’s life as a fugitive. From the interviews I’ve read with Mr. Roberts, it seems like his turbulent but interesting life served as the main inspiration for the tome, and if only half of Shantaram is true, I feel for the guy.

            I also read somewhere on Mr. Robert’s website that he has a sequel in the works. While the ending of Shantaram does come a bit abruptly (which seems strange to say about a 933 page book), it still functions well as a complete story. The main reason it feels slightly incomplete is that, right at the end, the author sets up another plot line that is left unresolved, implying that there’s more of Lindsay’s story to tell. And I hope there is.

Shantaram is not a quick read, but it’s worth it.

Anyone else read it?