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Kevin Ansbro's Reviews > Shantaram
Shantaram
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I realised that I'd already 'reviewed' this work by way of a reply I'd made to a recommendation (by Andy S). So I've simply copy/pasted that same reply here: I can understand the 'Marmite' love-it-or-hate-it axiom; the book has literary mood swings.
I read Shantaram a while back. A sprawling novel favoured by backpackers the world over. It polarises opinion; readers either love or hate it. It's overly self-righteous and puts you in mind of Walter Mitty, but the author has certainly suffered for his art, creating a novel that is difficult to ignore.
I read Shantaram a while back. A sprawling novel favoured by backpackers the world over. It polarises opinion; readers either love or hate it. It's overly self-righteous and puts you in mind of Walter Mitty, but the author has certainly suffered for his art, creating a novel that is difficult to ignore.
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Bianca
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Oct 26, 2017 06:11PM
But why did it have to be so big? I had it on my TBR, because it seems to have become one of those books that everyone reads/talks about, but then I saw the real thing and decided I was not going to read it.
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Bianca wrote: "But why did it have to be so big? I had it on my TBR, because it seems to have become one of those books that everyone reads/talks about, but then I saw the real thing and decided I was not going t..."It's definitely not a book I'd recommend, Bianca. Were it for the writing alone, I'd have only awarded two stars. The extra star is in recognition of the war of attrition Roberts faced in writing it.
Kevin wrote: "Bianca wrote: "But why did it have to be so big? I had it on my TBR, because it seems to have become one of those books that everyone reads/talks about, but then I saw the real thing and decided I ..."Good. I feel much better about not really considering reading it.
I am so glad you didn't hold back Kevin. If I feel strongly about a books and a book lover reads it on my suggestion and dislikes it, at least I feel that I haven't wasted their time, but if they read a hohum book
Because of me, somehow getting the idea I liked it, unduly, then I am gobsmacked.
Beverly wrote: "I am so glad you didn't hold back Kevin. If I feel strongly about a books and a book lover reads it on my suggestion and dislikes it, at least I feel that I haven't wasted their time, but if they r..."I always strive to be honest and fair. And what is the worth of a review if it's not honest?
And I love the fact that you've used one of our slang words (gobsmacked)! Did you spend time in England, Beverly?
: )
Honesty is best in all things. No, I haven't spent time in the U.K., but I am an Anglophile and especially love words like scarpered and gobsmacked.
Beverly wrote: "Honesty is best in all things. No, I haven't spent time in the U.K., but I am an Anglophile and especially love words like scarpered and gobsmacked."Blimey!
: )
"kind-of" is a good description. I "kind-of" didn't like his bragging, "I will palm myself off as a superhero" narrative style, but still felt compelled to finish the brick.
Lisa wrote: ""kind-of" is a good description. I "kind-of" didn't like his bragging, "I will palm myself off as a superhero" narrative style, but still felt compelled to finish the brick."Not a book I'd recommend, Lisa.
Wonderful, to-the-point review, Kevin! Love it!
Cheri wrote: "Wonderful, to-the-point review, Kevin! Love it!"Thanks, Cheri.
It didn't instill enough passion in me to warrant anything more than a perfunctory review!
I'm kicking myself for not reading this review sooner. I am finally free of this marathon of bragging and exaggerating! Free at last!
Kita wrote: "I'm kicking myself for not reading this review sooner. I am finally free of this marathon of bragging and exaggerating! Free at last!"I feel your pain, Kita.
It's one of those books that some people feel they should like, as if it's a rite-of-passage. For the most part, it's narcissistic and irritating.
Great review Kevin! Sorry this didn’t quite thrill you!
Thanks, Susanne. This review is three years old! : )
Kimber wrote: "Splendid review, Kevin! :-)"Thanks, Kimber!
Although my reviews, back in 2015, lacked a bit of razzle-dazzle. : )
I've known several women who were willing to pull my hair right out of my head merely for admitting that I've never read it.
Julie wrote: "I've known several women who were willing to pull my hair right out of my head merely for admitting that I've never read it."I shouldn't worry, Julie. It's not that great. : )
Kevin,Be careful! They'd pull your hair out for saying that.
Julie wrote: "Kevin,Be careful! They'd pull your hair out for saying that."
Let them try. I am strong, like bear in forest.
; )
Julie, I agree with Kevin- it’s not that great. Nice review, Kevin!
Antoinette wrote: "Julie, I agree with Kevin- it’s not that great. Nice review, Kevin!"Thanks, Antoinette!
I typed this three years ago and in my 'recommended for' slot I've just noticed I entered backpackers and jailbirds. ; )
Kevin, that’s funny because my son has been backpacking first the Appalachian trail and now in Chile, doing the Patagonia. I can’t say I would recommend him reading this book. As a side note, I took this book with me when I went to Africa- what a mistake!!
Kevin wrote: "Kimber wrote: "Splendid review, Kevin! :-)"Thanks, Kimber!
Although my reviews, back in 2015, lacked a bit of razzle-dazzle. : )"
You're welcome, Kevin! You overflow with razzle, sir. Even in 2015. :-)
Kimber wrote: "Kevin wrote: "Kimber wrote: "Splendid review, Kevin! :-)"Thanks, Kimber!
Although my reviews, back in 2015, lacked a bit of razzle-dazzle. : )"
You're welcome, Kevin! You overflow with razzle, s..."
Thanks, Kimber. I think my razzle has all gone, in 2019! : (
I thought I'd read this if for no other reason than to learn about India. The length isn't really intimidating. I've seen a few reviews now that don't think much of this book, so I'm having second thoughts.
PS I'm unfortunately ignorant of who Walter Mitty is.
Kristy wrote: "PS I'm unfortunately ignorant of who Walter Mitty is."Hi Kristy!
Walter Mitty is a fictional character. He's a fantasist who tries to make his uneventful life appear more exciting than it actually is.
