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Shantaram  By  cover art

Shantaram

By: Gregory David Roberts
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Publisher's summary

A novel of high adventure, great storytelling and moral purpose, based on an extraordinary true story of eight years in the Bombay underworld.

In the early 80s, Gregory David Roberts, an armed robber and heroin addict, escaped from an Australian prison to India, where he lived in a Bombay slum. There, he established a free health clinic and also joined the mafia, working as a money launderer, forger and street soldier. He found time to learn Hindi and Marathi, fall in love, and spend time being worked over in an Indian jail. Then, in case anyone thought he was slacking, he acted in Bollywood and fought with the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan...

Amazingly, Roberts wrote Shantaram three times after prison guards trashed the first two versions. It's a profound tribute to his willpower...

©2003 Gregory David Roberts (P)2006 Black Stone Audio Inc

Critic reviews

"Extraordinary vivid...a gigantic, jaw-dropping, grittily authentic saga." ( Daily Mail)
"Powerful and original...a remarkable achievement." ( Sunday Telegraph)
"Vivid and compassionate...impressive." ( Guardian)
"A publishing phenomenon." ( Sunday Times)

What listeners say about Shantaram

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent, a masterpiece

A fantastic story, narrated beautifully. The various accents created such authenticity. I loved every minute and enjoyed many a chuckle.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Maybe the best book I ever heard

What made the experience of listening to Shantaram the most enjoyable?

This story got it all. And I am endlessly thankful to the narrator adding even more to the wonderful characters of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

It is funny, it is exciting, it is insightful. It is moving. It is moralistic but not too much. It is honest. It is complete.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He makes me laugh a thousand times - nothing less.

Who was the most memorable character of Shantaram and why?

Prabo, because of Humprey Bower the narrator.

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  • Overall
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  • Mr
  • 06-27-14

Amazing

Would you consider the audio edition of Shantaram to be better than the print version?

Yes, I would definitely consider it better than the print version - Humphrey Bower brings all of the characters to life. He is the best performer I have heard yet.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think all of them were great. I was worried because I have other bits of Humphrey Bowers work, and was unsure if he could pull off the accents needed. I needn't have worried.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Everything.

If you could rename Shantaram, what would you call it?

"One of the finest, most beautiful books ever written"

Any additional comments?

You won't be disappointed.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Most amazing and exciting book I've read recently

Totally in love with Shantaram! The 43 hours felt like 43 seconds! The narrator has done his job perfectly!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of a kind - thank you, author and narrator!

It’s hard to put into a specific genre - and that’s a good thing.
Other reviews mention all the beautiful aspects of this work and this one will not do it justice, but both the story and the narration come together in a unique blend that grips the reader from start to finish. A work that resonates at a deep level.

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  • Overall
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The sights and smells of India

A truly stunning book about India, especially Mumbai or as most locals still call the city, Bombay! It paint a great picture of day to day life, albeit the darker side. Having spent a decent amount of time in Bombay and India, I can say hand on heart that it's a brilliant read and always take me back to the glorious sights and smells of India. Well worth the listen.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An epic novell - one af a kind, not to be missed!

Would you consider the audio edition of Shantaram to be better than the print version?

Great performance, gives great life to the story and the foreign names.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abdel Kadr Kahn

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

Prabaka

Who was the most memorable character of Shantaram and why?

Prabaka

Any additional comments?

Poetic and philosophical, with a great story and character gallery. Not to be missed.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story from beginning to end

I have read the book and listened twice. This is my favorite!
Great narrator! I want more of the same

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story. Emotional and entertaining

The story of Shantaram is enternaining and well read by Mr.Bower. Hi changes his voice to suit the character perfectly and to give the story his own twist. This book gave me many hours of listening pleasure.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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To all who love India.

Humphrey Bower is magnificent! Gives this great story so much extra. And once again, a homage to Mother India.

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