Shantaram is a novel written by Australian writer Gregory David Roberts first published in 2003. Before becoming an author and charity worker, Roberts was a heroin addict and bank robber, who got caught but then escaped from Pentridge Prison and fled to India.
The title Shantaram, which is an Indian word means “man of peace” in English, was taken from the name Roberts given by his best friend's mother during the time he lived in India. Although the author stated that the book is actually a fictional novel, there is a debate surrounding it about how much of it is actual fact some people refer the book as an autobiography and which parts are invented fictions.
The main character and narrator in Shantaram is Lindsay Ford, a most-wanted Australian who has just escaped from prison and arrived in Mumbai. His initial plan is to make a short stop in the city before continuing his run to Germany but it turns out that his stay in one of the most crowded and complex cities in India lasts longer. He then builds a strong and faithful friendship with his guide, Prabaker, who gives him name Lin (Linbaba). It was during their visit to Prabaker’s village when Lindsay now Lin gets his name Shantaram, which means “Man of God's Peace,” from Prabaker’s mother.
Gregory David Roberts - Shantaram eBook (PDF)
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