I really enjoyed this epic novel that took place in India and Afghanistan during the 1980s. Roberts tells the story of Lin who, like Odysseus,has many adventures in search of "home" which for him is inner peace. Early in the novel, a friend's mother gives him the name Shantaram, which means man of peace or man of God's peace. In his quest to live up to his name, he travels from India where he lives in the heart of the slums of Bombay, a native village, an infamous prison, an opium den, mansions of the wealthy, and even mountains in Afghanistan. While his search involves danger, love, crime, and friendships, in the end, he concludes, "The only kingdom that makes any man a king is the kingdom of his own soul. The only power that has any real meaning is the power to better the world." It was a pleasure to share Lin's travels and findings with him.