Shantaram book review

Hailed as a modern classic and as the work of a literary genius, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, shows you the seedy side of Colaba’s bylanes and the dark world of drugs, dons and slums. This is truly the uncut version of the poverty and sleaze in Mumbai. It takes a writer of great caliber to pull off such an over-the-top storyline. Shantaram, a modern picaresque story of ruffians and rascals, is actually the tale of an escaped convict and heroin addict from Australia.

The author, Gregory David Roberts, took 13 years to write the book, first two drafts of which were destroyed in prison. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Roberts was a promising student. He developed a heroin addiction after his marriage collapsed and was denied custody of his daughter. To support his heroin addiction, he committed a series of robberies with an imitation pistol leading to his arrest. In 1978 he was sentenced to 19 years in prison. He served the sentence only for two years, and escaped from Pentridge prison in 1980, in broad daylight. He travelled to New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe. He then lived in Mumbai for ten years, where he led a life of eclectic experiences—living in a small village and later, in a Mumbai slum. He even started a free medical clinic for slum dwellers, laundered money and smuggled for the Mumbai mafia.

The novel is largely autobiographical and relies heavily on Roberts' own experiences. An honest and heart-wrenching book, Shantaram will change your perspective about life, love, passion, loyalty and betrayal. The novel is about an escaped convict who comes to Mumbai under an assumed name, 'Lindsay'. In Mumbai, he meets Prabhaker, a street guide, who goes on to become his best friend. Prabhaker’s mother renames him Shantaram, meaning 'man of peace' . He goes to live with Prabhaker in his village for six months. Later, they move to a huge slum in Mumbai, where Shantaram runs an illicit medical practice with the knowledge of first aid that he’s gathered from prison. The poor in the slums come to look upon him as a savior of sorts. He also meets Karla, a Swiss-American woman, who he falls in love with. After a brief stint in Arthur Road jail, he gets involved with the underworld, for whom he smuggles and forges passports. Shantaram also fights in a war against Russians in Afghanistan. After his mentor gets killed, he realizes that he needs to start a new and honest life. At the end of the novel, he is heading to Sri Lanka.

The characterization is real and believable, as are the prison scenes. The strength of the book, however, lies in the way Roberts sees Mumbai—as a character that’s larger than the others and has a way of influencing everyone’s destiny. Roberts, clearly draws from personal experience and that’s what gives the book its raw and edgy element. Despite the exaggerated sentimentality and verbose descriptions in several places, the novel is a superlative and stunning piece of work.

Roberts chose to keep the name of the village anonymous, to prevent it from becoming a tourist spot. However, he probably didn’t foresee the 'Shantaram tours' phenomenon. The tours, started by some taxi drivers, give the travelers exactly what they want. They are taken to most of the places mentioned in the book—Haji Ali, the mosque in the sea, the bylanes of Colaba, Leopold Café, Cuffe Parade, etc. Shantaram has not only put Colaba on the world map but has also immortalized Leopold Cafe. This popular expatriate hang out also stocks autographed copies of the book, a clever idea. Also, on a rack on the wall are notes that various travelers have left for the author.

Roberts, after being recaptured, served his sentence in Germany and Australia. He now spends his time in Melbourne and Mumbai.

Now, the movie, starring Johnny Depp in the title role may take a while and the back-and-forth about characterization might go on for a bit, but what we’re eagerly waiting for is the much-discussed sequel, or prequel, whichever comes first.

Publisher: Scribe Publications, Picador
ISBN: 1-920769-00-5 (Australia hardback edition)
0-312-33052-9 (US hardback edition)
0-316-72725-3 (US paperback edition)
Format: Hardback and Paperback
Published in 2003