Shantaram - questions related to the Novel
By raasha
@raasha (109)
India
December 26, 2006 10:47am CST
Shantaram, written by first time author Gregory David Roberts is a lengthy (read thick book with fine print) novel based on his extraordinary life. Gregory, who was sentenced 19 years for armed robbery and possession of heroin, made an escape from an Australian prison in the 2nd year of the sentence and landed in Mumbai.
The book elaborates on his days in hiding. From living in a slum, fighting with the mujahideen, joining the Mumbai mafia to looking for love, Gregory writes about it all while philosophizing on his experiences.
Exceptionally gripping the book is a thriller & travelogue spiced with romance, laughter and deep insights.
You can read more about SHANTARAM on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE here: http://www.shantaram.com
It took me a while to read through the saga and I have a few pressing questions in mind:
1. Do you actually believe that Gregory has had such an eventful life or do you think he's just another highly imaginative storyteller?
2. Should criminals be given hard torturous sentences that put an end to their hopes forever or should they be given a format of punishment that urges them to improve and get back into society?
3. The book mention 'doing the wrong thing for the right cause' (for example, stealing from a rich man and giving the steal to a poor man). Do you agree with this philosophy? If so I'd like to know the reasons.
4. My last question is for people who have read this book. For you, what was the best bit of the book?
7 responses
@sootix (92)
• India
28 Dec 06
lengthy is right! and it's lengthier for a guy like me, cos i read about 4-5 books at one time.. there are very few who have gone through the whole book straight as far as i know, though.. and you just have to be in a mood for that kind of thing..
personally, i think how a story sounds has a lot to do with the way it has been told.. like here, all the socially wrong things that shantaram does come off as cool, and he somehow manages to let you know he sincerely has stuck to his principles in each case.. plus the whole idea about the kind of guilt that he's going through is apparent, so every reader just feels for the character..
@yogiraut (230)
• India
25 Jan 07
i read the book purely for enjoyment purpose.i believe,
1.there is a strong possibility that he has dramatised the events. bcoz its too exciting to be real.
2.I believe criminals should be given atleast one chance to return to society. Bcoz circumstances can force people into crime.
3.this philosophy can work to a great extent
4.the DESCRIPTION OF MUMBAI.
@samvedana (59)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I am impressed with the book. The charecter just grows on you. Well! I do believe Gregory must have actually gone through a tough time else, its difficult to express things rather feelings as precisely as he has, without experiencing them. I have read other books too which gives an excellent account of tortures, abusements, frustrations and depression that a prisoner go through in various prisons of the world but this one got me. I imagine how a little voice deep inside a prisoner wants to retaliate the setup in the outside world. No doubt, Criminals should be punished also, its again important to notice the change it brings in the personality of a criminal else, theres no point.So, i feel more human consideration is required. There are lots in those dark corners wanting to change to see the light :) and the philosophy about doing wrong thing for right cause is tought to accept or rather adopt coz' i feel, it just jeopordizes life one bad day. I love the feeling, the expression of glory and satisfaction and relief the author mentions in the book every time he interact with the slum. Its slightly not ordinary for a foreigner.
@subhbhat88 (28)
• India
28 May 10
Best saga to read...Its really worth knowin David and his life story!!...Kinda havoc to know his life is filled with complete hardcore pains...jus pains....i was hurted badly....Honestly speaking we keep failing to understand feeling of other human beings...Wind is essential but not necessary to develop the hurricane tat vanishes the entire human dynsty...Despite the pains he underwent ....He still remined helping, very kind and trust worthy...No body can compete with his will power ..jus no one on the planet earth......Ma life is totally influenced by his life story....Thank u very much for introducing the saga in the discussion.....me always gratitude to him and will follow his line of dynasty...!!
