Shantaram is a remarkable novel written by Gregory David Roberts that spans over 900 pages. It’s a long book that has captured the hearts of many readers since its publication in 2003. While some readers might shy away from such a lengthy tome, Shantaram is a testament to the idea that long books can teach valuable lessons that shorter books simply can’t.

One of the most profound lessons that Shantaram teaches us is the power of forgiveness. The book is a story of redemption and forgiveness, centered around the protagonist, Lin, who escapes from an Australian prison and flees to Mumbai, India, where he finds a new life. Throughout the novel, Lin is faced with numerous challenges and obstacles, and he makes some terrible mistakes along the way. However, he learns to forgive himself and others, and this is what ultimately sets him free.

Love is a one-way street. Love, like respect, isn’t something you get, it’s something you give.

Lin – Shantaram

Forgiveness is a difficult concept to grasp, and it’s even harder to put into practice. We’ve all been hurt, betrayed, or wronged at some point in our lives, and it can be challenging to let go of the pain and resentment that we feel. However, Shantaram teaches us that forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past; it’s also about making peace with ourselves and finding inner peace.

The book’s author, Gregory David Roberts, is a prime example of the power of forgiveness. Roberts was a convicted bank robber who escaped from an Australian prison and fled to India, where he lived for ten years as a fugitive. He wrote Shantaram while he was in prison, and it’s clear that the novel was a way for him to make sense of his life and find redemption.

The truth is that there are no good men, or bad men. It is the deeds that have goodness and badness in them. There are good deeds, and bad deeds. Men are just men- its what they do, or refuse to do, that links them to good and evil.

Shantaram

Roberts’ experiences in India taught him the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. He encountered people from all walks of life, and he learned to see the beauty in humanity, even in the darkest of circumstances. He writes in the novel:

India teaches me that beauty is not a thing, not a place, but a moment. It’s the space between the notes, the sigh between the breaths.

Shantaram

Shantaram is not just a book about forgiveness, though. It’s a novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and redemption. It’s a journey that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from heart-wrenching sorrow to heartwarming joy.

The length of the book may seem daunting, but it’s precisely what makes Shantaram such a rich and rewarding read. The novel allows us to spend more time with the characters and delve deeper into their lives and motivations. We get to see the world through their eyes and experience their joys and struggles, which ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our own lives.

In conclusion, Shantaram is a beautiful and inspiring novel that teaches us the power of forgiveness and the importance of inner peace. It’s a lengthy read, but it’s one that’s well worth the time and effort. Long books like Shantaram have the ability to teach us lessons that shorter books simply can’t, and they provide us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a world that we might not otherwise have the chance to experience.