None
5 stars
One of my favorite books of all time. I could not recommend it enough. Feels almost like a religious experience
Paperback
English language
Published May 13, 2004 by Scribe.
Shantaram
Pumpkin Pai reviewed Shantaram
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
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 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.
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
1 star
I picked this up thinking it was a true story, rather than "a novel based on a true story". A quick search on google suggests there's not much truth in it - so I think the marketing is a bit misleading. The first 200 pages are good, very evocative of Bombay with some funny events and characters. After that the protagonist becomes too much of a hero for it to be believable - surviving every ordeal, coming to the rescue in every situation, always having a sage view on something. As the book went on there was way too much philosophising always beginning "if I'd known then what I know now... ". I had to skim read to finish it.
In the end it just felt like a bit of an ego-trip for the author that went on for way too long.
I picked this up thinking it was a true story, rather than "a novel based on a true story". A quick search on google suggests there's not much truth in it - so I think the marketing is a bit misleading. The first 200 pages are good, very evocative of Bombay with some funny events and characters. After that the protagonist becomes too much of a hero for it to be believable - surviving every ordeal, coming to the rescue in every situation, always having a sage view on something. As the book went on there was way too much philosophising always beginning "if I'd known then what I know now... ". I had to skim read to finish it.
In the end it just felt like a bit of an ego-trip for the author that went on for way too long.
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
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 …
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.
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
A new addition to my list of top 5-10 favorite books. A wonderful read, I would highly recommend it to anyone. However, I'd suggest that they keep a list of characters on a sheet of paper as they're reading -- so many characters with similar names can get confusing. The novel is long, but well worth the time investment. Read it!
A new addition to my list of top 5-10 favorite books. A wonderful read, I would highly recommend it to anyone. However, I'd suggest that they keep a list of characters on a sheet of paper as they're reading -- so many characters with similar names can get confusing. The novel is long, but well worth the time investment. Read it!
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I enjoyed this book a lot - some parts of it. It gives a very vivid image of India in the 80s. If you like India and like reading about India, read this. But beware the middle part is very violent and hard reading! I was glad that there was a turn-around and the book ended on a happier note.
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Shantaram reads too much like a soap opera for my liking. It is a good book, but there is a lot of fluff and starry eyed love stuff. This book could have been at least 300 pages shorter, and the story would have been better and more powerful. Still, a good read, but you have to skip the fluffy stuff every now and again.
Phil Calvin reviewed Shantaram
Review of 'Shantaram' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Read the other reviews. Love it, hate it? I'm in the middle. It's way too long and the author is way too into himself, but there are some really memorable passages, and some fun insights to living (as a foreigner) in India. The prison chapter is unforgettable.
Read the other reviews. Love it, hate it? I'm in the middle. It's way too long and the author is way too into himself, but there are some really memorable passages, and some fun insights to living (as a foreigner) in India. The prison chapter is unforgettable.
