
Linda Parker Terrifically good read! Set in Bombay during the 1980s, this is an epic novel–a journey through the slums, the Indian mafia, and the expat community in India with a short sojourn in Afghanistan. Part thriller, part mystery, part exotic journey, part philosophy, part love story, part adventure; this novel has it all. Some reviewers refer to SHANTARAM as a modern-day classic, and I agree with this assessment. I couldn’t put it down, even though it runs 933 pages. It’s absolutely brilliant. The tour of Bombay couldn’t be better. Add to this, the fact that author Gregory David Roberts has a criminal past, has spent time in Australian prison, lived in Bombay, and had his writing destroyed several times by prison guards. Quite an author story! I recommend this book. My only small complaint–the Afghanistan part could have been shortened or left out. But…even that part made an interesting read. Add this one to your must-read list!
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