Shantaram - by Gregory David Roberts

Gregory David Roberts - the author of Shantaram. A book that kind of just fell in my lap; and what a discovery it has been.

It seems as if I discover facts about things, only once I myself have been through it. Shantaram is one of the most sought after books today, and undoubtedly a bestseller. A real life story of a FIRANG in Mumbai, doing what comes his way; and what a knack he has to get along with all the trouble making fellas of the town. Timepass is the only book that comes close to an example of  describing the pace set in this classic.

Niranjan Garsa - the Indian Army officer, one among others with whom I had gone on a bike to Zanskar Valley this year, happened to casually describe about the book - Shantaram. We were sitting in a restaurant in Leh with bachelors, me and Tejas on one side and Niranjan accompanied by his newly married wife on the other. I can't recall, but sometime into the talks, Niranjan started talking about Shantaram. What was initially a reveal to the plot, gradually became an intensifying storyline with Niranjan's expressions and energy, being a testament to it. Usually, such gap filling discussions barely carry significance, but this one got me interested. No sooner were we through with our dinner, we climbed down the stairs to the bookshop (which was still open) and found Shantaram bang in the center table among other bestsellers. Purchasing a book from Leh, with the advent of return bike ride to the plains would not be considered wise, given the weather conditions; but it was'nt convincing for me. Now Shantaram remains as a remarkable pick from Leh, on the 2009 Zanskar ride.

The plot you shall read in the book, but if you want to read about living in the moment; this is the book. Simply superb.

http://www.shantaram.com/