Shantaram

This is some of the most enjoyable prose that I've come across. Many times I felt like I was reading a 1000 page poem. The story was interesting, powerful, and unpredictable.

Where it came up short for me, and not enough to complain about but worth mentioning, is that I decided to read it based on several reviews and remarks that it was a life changing novel that was a must-read for everyone before they leave this Earth. Well... I'm not sure I got that out of it. There were a great many perspectives presented through the characters but I dunno. I suppose I built it up in my mind to be something else before actually reading it.

But man, seriously... I loved it. I felt like I was taking daily trips to India. The writing was more like conjuring than description. I think any writer would benefit from experiencing this writing style.

Generally I loved the book.

What I loved the most about it is the writing itself. I love the way the author uses his knowledge of the English language and it's nuances to tell a story. It's rare these days that by reading a work of fiction I have to look up a word or two in the dictionary, but I loved the fact when I had to. I would say that when it comes to the style of writing Roberts is a modern day Hemingway. There are many wise quotable lines in this book, although there are a good number that I don't find so wise either.

I can tell that the author was writing it from the depth and breadth of the true and sincere emotions. I don't know if it takes one to know one, but I really appreciated this writing with an open heart. I find that it's rare these days to find this style of writing and I really enjoyed it.

The only reasons for 4 stars is that I felt like the story in the latter part of the book (when he goes to Afghanistan) starts falling apart. There is not so much honesty, fervor or even reality to it.

It's a long read, but I really enjoyed all of it.