IGX

Shantaram byGregory David Roberts. The book is a fictitious representation of his experiences. If his biography is to be believed, he was an armed robber who escaped from an Australian prison and moved to Mumbai India to hide out. He lived in a slum as a "doctor", became and organized crime big shot, and ended up fighting the Russians with the Mujahidin. If it's true, he's a good writer with a great story. If it's false, he's an excellent writer with a great story and corresponding cast of characters.

I picked that up a few weeks ago, it looks good. I need to get reading.

DrDonkeyLove wrote:Shantaram byGregory David Roberts. The book is a fictitious representation of his experiences. If his biography is to be believed, he was an armed robber who escaped from an Australian prison and moved to Mumbai India to hide out. He lived in a slum as a "doctor", became and organized crime big shot, and ended up fighting the Russians with the Mujahidin. If it's true, he's a good writer with a great story. If it's false, he's an excellent writer with a great story and corresponding cast of characters.

I read this book, given to me by a friend, and found it engaging. A bit over the top in some places. All in all, his descriptions of India are what kept me going. Along with his taxi driver friend (it's been 4+yrs since I last read it), I throughly enjoyed it a 2nd time through.

SS

short straw wrote:

DrDonkeyLove wrote:Shantaram byGregory David Roberts. The book is a fictitious representation of his experiences. If his biography is to be believed, he was an armed robber who escaped from an Australian prison and moved to Mumbai India to hide out. He lived in a slum as a "doctor", became and organized crime big shot, and ended up fighting the Russians with the Mujahidin. If it's true, he's a good writer with a great story. If it's false, he's an excellent writer with a great story and corresponding cast of characters.

I read this book, given to me by a friend, and found it engaging. A bit over the top in some places. All in all, his descriptions of India are what kept me going. Along with his taxi driver friend (it's been 4+yrs since I last read it), I throughly enjoyed it a 2nd time through.

SS

I too found it a bit over the top in some spots and it could have been edited down as well. I think he got the Indian patois correct and the characters intrigued me. It's opened me up into looking more readings on India.

Dan Simmons first published book was Song of Kali which takes place in Calcutta. I'm big Simmons fan and this is a good read - and short.