This mesmerizing first novel tells the epic journey of Lin, an escaped convict who flees maximum security prison in Australia to disappear into the underworld of contemporary Bombay, a hidden society of beggars and gangsters, prostitutes and holy men, actors and exiles. Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, Lin searches for love and meaning while running a clinic in one of the city's poorest slums and serving his apprenticeship in the dark arts of the Bombay mafia. The keys to unlock the mysteries that bind Lin are held by two people: his mentor Khader Khan, mafia godfather and criminal-philosopher, and the beautiful, elusive Karla, whose passions are driven by dangerous secrets. Based on the life of the author, this extraordinary debut has the world of human experience in its reach.
This was one of the best books I have ever read/listened. The writing was superb, but better yet was the production of it. I would find myself just sitting in my car in the driveway not willing to turn the car off.
fantastic book
Written by Tim Rose on June 25th, 2007
Book Rating: 5/5
I love this book. I actually read it while in India. Listening to it again was even better. The narrator was wonderful, especially with Prabu's voice and many others. I listened to it with joy and was sad to see it end.
A new appreciation of India
Written by Everett Heller on April 20th, 2007
Book Rating: 5/5
This book was nothing like I expected; it was better! The other person to have reviewed this book took the words right out of my mouth as to the quality of the novel and the reader. I liked this book so much that I bought it! I hope Roberts continues to write and am looking forward to his next novel.
Great Story/Great narrator
Written by Joseph Potts on February 7th, 2007
Book Rating: 5/5
This is a great adventure story AND a great view of India, and to a lesser extent Afghanastan. The writer captures the Indian culture in a very positive way while describing some of the less savory aspects of that culture.
I loved Rohinton Mistry's description of India and his great story telling. I liked this story just as much. it is a bit more of a swashbuckler story than Mistry writes, but in its own way it captures the spirit of India in a way that reminded me or Mistry's books.
