Shantaram in Aussie Readers

Jan 11, 2022 Rhoda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It’s difficult to summarize a 933 page book and I know many will be familiar with this book already, but in a nutshell, Shantaram is the story of ‘Lin’ (a name given to him in India), who escapes from prison in Australia and ends up in Bombay (now Mumbai). There he fortuitously meets Prabaker, who begins by showing him around, then taking him to a small village to meet his family, where they live for several months. On their return, Lin moves into the same slum that Prabaker lives in, where he b It’s difficult to summarize a 933 page book and I know many will be familiar with this book already, but in a nutshell, Shantaram is the story of ‘Lin’ (a name given to him in India), who escapes from prison in Australia and ends up in Bombay (now Mumbai). There he fortuitously meets Prabaker, who begins by showing him around, then taking him to a small village to meet his family, where they live for several months. On their return, Lin moves into the same slum that Prabaker lives in, where he becomes the slum medic (albeit without any formal qualifications!).

There is also his introduction into the world of a mafia style Mumbai gang, a trek to Afghanistan and plenty of other dramas, violence and philosophical discussions about the meaning of life (🙄).

Ok, so I have some very varying thoughts on this book. The above mentioned philosophical discussions were tedious and pretentious. The trek into Afghanistan was just boring to me and I could have lived without it, or with it being about half as long. Many characters were nothing more than just names to me and were unidentifiable from others. The story at times felt very self-aggrandizing and I felt that a lot was added to make the author seem like a bit of a hero (this book is a fictionalised version of his life). Whereas I just thought he was a glorified thug…..🤷🏻‍♀️

Despite all this, the author’s love for Mumbai shines through in every word and he absolutely brings to life the colour, chaos and magic - so much so that it will make you want to go there. His love for the Indian people also shines through and via the wonderful character of Prabaker and his time in the slum, you will see the love and respect he has for their ways of life and their love of life. The beauty of these two qualities alone almost made up for the parts I was less enamored with - and I do admit that it is an eventful story, that kept me engaged (for the most part) for the entire 933 pages. Definitely one for people who have an interest in India and also for those that love a gangster story! Although this was probably more a 3.5/3.75 for me, I’m rounding up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. ...more

Like · see review

Nov 18, 2010 Tracy rated it it was ok

I did not enjoy this book - finding it selfish, annoying and totally frustrating. Talk about not learning from your mistakes and not caring about anyone or anything unless if helps you get on in life.

Read the full review at OurBookClub ...more

Like · see review

Dec 28, 2010 Bethany is currently reading it · review of another edition

I unwrapped this door stop of a book on Christmas day but the hubby has snavelled it before I could open it. I shall finish what I have on the go and then get in behind him. I have heard much about this book and mixed reviews so lets see...

Like · see review