Shantaram
by Gregory David Roberts
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts holds a highly rated rating of 4.26 out of 5, based on 95.2K reader ratings. First published in 2003. The book spans 936 pages.
About Shantaram
"It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured."So begins this epic, mesmerizing first novel set in the underworld of contemporary Bombay. Shantaram is narrated by Lin, an escaped convict with a false passport who flees maximum security prison in Australia for the teeming streets of a city where he can disappear.Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, the two enter Bombay's hidden society of beggars and gangsters, prostitutes and holy men, soldiers and actors, and Indians and exiles from other countries, who seek in this remarkable place what they cannot find elsewhere.As a hunted man without a home, family, or identity, Lin searches for love and meaning while running a clinic in one of the city's poorest slums, and serving his apprenticeship in the dark arts of the Bombay mafia. The search leads him to war, prison torture, murder, and a series of enigmatic and bloody betrayals. The keys to unlock the mysteries and intrigues that bind Lin are held by two people. The first is Khader Khan: mafia godfather, criminal-philosopher-saint, and mentor to Lin in the underworld of the Golden City. The second is Karla: elusive, dangerous, and beautiful, whose passions are driven by secrets that torment her and yet give her a terrible power.Burning slums and five-star hotels, romantic love and prison agonies, criminal wars and Bollywood films, spiritual gurus and mujaheddin guerrillas – this huge novel has the world of human experience in its reach, and a passionate love for India at its heart. Based on the life of the author, it is by any measure the debut of an extraordinary voice in literature.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Gregory David Roberts |
| Published | 2003 |
| Pages | 936 |
| Genres | Fiction, Travel, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 4.26 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 95,213 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Shantaram?
Shantaram is categorized as Fiction, Travel, Fiction, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is Shantaram worth reading?
Based on 95.2K reader ratings, Shantaram has an average score of 4.26 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Shantaram?
Shantaram has 936 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote Shantaram?
Shantaram was written by Gregory David Roberts. It was first published in 2003.
What is the ISBN for Shantaram?
The ISBN-13 for Shantaram is 9781920769210.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
