Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

The first time I read this book, it was early 2005. I was a little intimidated by it, being over 900 pages, but by the time I read the first chapter, I realized that no way could this book possibly be long enough. I never wanted it to end, although 3 days of almost nonstop reading later, I was through. This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. Probably my favorite, which says a lot considering I have read a lot of excellent books.

I'm actually finding myself at a loss to describe this book, which only goes to show you the power it has. The writing is eloquent and beautiful, telling tales that are all at once gut-wrenching and hilarious and sad and painful and magnificent. Experiencing Bombay through Lin's eyes, along with all of the characters that are painted by GDR so vividly, will leave you transfixed and breathless and wanting more.

One of my favorite passages:

One of the reasons we crave love, and seek it so desperately, is that love is the only cure for loneliness, and shame, and sorrow. But some feelings sink so deep into the heart that only loneliness can help you find them again. Some truths about yourself are so painful that only shame can help you live with them. And some things are just so sad that only your soul can do the crying for you.

I've read Shantaram twice more since the first time I read it. I told everyone I knew about it but most were put off by the # of pages... Tom finally read it and loved it as much as I did. Then we got Jake to read it. He loved it. Katie read it last year and she loved it. Tom's stepmom Tina chose it for her book club. And now that the writer's strike is over, it's finally being made into a movie, starring Johnny Depp. I admit, I am nervous about how the book will translate onto the big screen, but if anyone can do the main character justice, Johnny Depp can. The movie has huge shoes to fill, though.