Shantaram
Gregory David Roberts
18 people recommended it in 14 threads, 2007–2022.
What people on Hacker News said
An Australian gangster escaping his home country and falling in love with India (Mumbai). Lots of philosophy. A moral tale. Plenty of drama. And a love story with deep, dark characters.
So good that mom stayed up until 3AM to finish it.
Awe inspiring "true" story about a convict who escaped to India. Really made me want to take a trip to India. Perhaps not the highest quality prose but a gripping story never-the-less.
Violent criminal escapes from prison in Australia, travels to Mumbai on a forged passport, learns Hindi and Marathi, lives for years in a slum, fights with the mujahideen in Afghanistan, becomes a gangster, learns about life, love and honor in the process.
If you are even remotely interested in India and/or travelling it is a must.
These are both absolutely brilliant and moving; you can't go wrong with either of them.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2010 and briefly why 2010 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Great books you read in 2009? 2010 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What is the most mind expanding book(s) you have read till date? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What books have you read recently? 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Recommend one book I need to read this summer? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the best book you read on 2017? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2016? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- My Summer Reading List 2013 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best books you read in 2012 2012 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the greatest book you've ever read? 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask YC: favorite books 2007 · 1 recommendation