Her favorite: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. [break]
Shantaram is a 2003 novel by an Australian bank robber and heroin addict. The novel is influenced by real events in the author’s life when he escaped from an Australian prison to India and stayed there for 10 years, becoming one of Australia´s most wanted men during those years.
The protagonist, Lindsay, carrying a false passport, arrives in Mumbai, which was only a stopover on a journey, but he decides to stay there.
Lindsay hires a local man named Prabaker as a guide, but soon becomes his best friend. On their way back from a night out, they get robbed.
With all his possessions gone, Lin is forced to live in the slums, it giving him shelter from the authorities and free rent in Mumbai. After a massive fire on the day of his arrival in the slum, he sets up a free health clinic.
He learns about the local culture and customs in this crammed environment, gets to know and love the people he encounters, witnesses and battles the outbreaks of cholera and firestorms, becomes involved in trading with the lepers, and experiences how ethnic and marital conflicts are resolved in the community.
We asked Apurva the following questions and he replied accordingly:
What do you like the most about the book?
This is a very inspiring book. It makes us believe one can change one’s life according to one’s own will, from good to bad or bad to good. And it’s a good read.
Who is you favorite character in the book and why?
My favorite character is Prabaker, who isa taxi driver and also the protagonist’s friend. He is a sweet, cheery and kindhearted guy. He smiles all the time and is always kind to strangers. He takes the protagonist to his home and helps him in his needs. From a taxi driver, he becomes a health assistant and helps the people of the slums.
How has this book made any impact on you?
As I mentioned earlier, I was very inspired when reading this book because it makes you want to change yourself. Even if you have badness in you, it makes you want to do good with your life and do the same to people.
Whom would you suggest this book for reading?
I would suggest this book to people who are facing conflicts in their life or identity. If one needs a better perspective and understanding of life, one should definitely read this book. It’s a lot of pages, and has very deep and layered meanings, so one needs a lot of patience while reading it. But this is definitely a very good book to read for the purpose of spiritual awakening.
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