Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (2003). Summary of the book.

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Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (2003)

Overview

Shantaram is a 2003 novel written by Australian author Gregory David Roberts. The novel is set in 1980s Bombay and tells the story of Linbaba, an Australian fugitive who has escaped from prison and fled to India. Linbaba finds refuge in the slums of Bombay and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and danger. The novel has received critical acclaim for its vivid descriptions of life in Bombay and its strong characters.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Linbaba, an Australian fugitive who has escaped from prison and fled to India. He finds refuge in the slums of Bombay, where he is given the name Shantaram by the locals. He is taken in by a local family, and learns the ways of the city and its inhabitants. He falls in love with a young woman named Karla, and they have a tumultuous relationship. He also meets Prabaker, an Indian street hustler who becomes his closest friend.

Shantaram quickly finds himself immersed in the criminal underworld of Bombay, working as a passport forger and smuggler. He also becomes a member of the mafia, working as a gunrunner and drug dealer. Throughout his adventures, Shantaram encounters a diverse cast of characters, from gangsters to spiritualists, and learns valuable lessons about life and the world around him.

The novel culminates in a dramatic confrontation with the mafia, as Shantaram attempts to protect his friends from the violence of the criminal underworld. The novel ends with Shantaram leaving Bombay and embarking on a new journey of self-discovery.

Main Teachings

Shantaram is a story of self-discovery and redemption. Through his adventures in Bombay, Shantaram learns to appreciate the beauty and complexity of life, and to accept himself and his past. He learns to be brave, to take risks, and to trust in himself and others. The novel also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice, as Shantaram struggles to protect his friends and family from the violence of the criminal underworld.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel is based on the author’s own life experience. Gregory David Roberts was an escaped convict who lived in Bombay for a decade before writing the novel. The novel draws heavily on his personal experiences in the city.
  • The novel was adapted into a movie in 2019. The movie was directed by John Hillcoat and starred Charlie Hunnam in the lead role.
  • The novel was a bestseller. It was a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages.

FAQs

What is the book Shantaram about?

Shantaram is a 2003 novel written by Australian author Gregory David Roberts. The novel is set in 1980s Bombay and tells the story of Linbaba, an Australian fugitive who has escaped from prison and fled to India. Linbaba finds refuge in the slums of Bombay and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and danger.

Who wrote Shantaram?

Shantaram was written by Australian author Gregory David Roberts. The novel is based on his own experiences as an escaped convict who lived in Bombay for a decade.

When was Shantaram released?

Shantaram was first published in 2003. It was then adapted into a movie in 2019.

Where is Shantaram set?

Shantaram is set in the slums of Bombay in the 1980s. The novel follows Linbaba as he finds refuge in the city and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

What are the main themes of Shantaram?

The novel explores themes of self-discovery and redemption, bravery, risk-taking, friendship, loyalty, and justice.

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