Other-Fiction Shantaram

Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

This book was the most enthralling work of fiction (though semi-autobiography) I have yet had the pleasure of reading. It is a large book, just over 900 pages, but I loved every second of it.

The bulk of the book takes place in Bombay, India. The narrator, Lin, is an ex-junkie who escaped from prison in his homeland of Australia and made his way to Bombay to start a new life. And what an incredible life. He starts working in the black markets of India, starting with drug dealing, and moving through weapons running, counterfeiting and all things Indian mafia. He also decides to live in an Indian slum for a months, where he sets up a free medical clinic. He details his nightmarish experiences in various prisons and much much more.

The book offers spectacular glimpses into so much... life in Indian slums, Indian organized crime, life in prison, corruption, the lives of expats who are by and large escaping troubles in their own countries.

This book receives my highest praises for anyone who enjoys fiction. Absoulutely beautifully written and full of insight.

As for why it is recommended as a drug-related book, there is a bit of dealing, constant hash smoking, and some heroin abuse too.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Thanks for the review
	Excellent book review