Shantaram

Lin is an admitted felon, heroin user, war survivor, and occasional heavy drinker. These are facts that could cast his integrity as a narrator into doubt. Is Lin a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

Several times, Lin makes a point of telling people—and reminding himself—that he has never killed anyone, despite his frequent violent fights and his brutal incarcerations. Does Lin view the fact that he has never killed as a positive or negative? Discuss your reasons.

Khan calls the tendency to complexity a progression toward God. Discuss whether his philosophical argument stands up to rhetorical, logical scrutiny. Do his actions reinforce or negate his alleged perspective on—and allegiance to—what he calls God?

Lin and Prabu appear to have an instant affection for one another. What is the source of their bond? Why is Lin the first of many foreigners who takes Prabu up on his offer to visit the village of Sunder?

One of Shantaram’s major themes is the possibility that one can do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Which characters best embody this idea? Does Lin believe that he has done more wrong than right, and why?

What role does forgiveness play in the novel? Which characters believe that they need forgiveness, and which characters believe that they are beyond redemption?

Lin loves Karla and believes that he could—or might already—love Lisa. Discuss the differences between the two women and their respective relationships with Lin. What attracts each of them to Lin, and what does he value most in the two of them?

The city of Mumbai is a character in the story. Lin grants the city characteristics that are almost human. Even realities like the slave market fail to diminish his love of the city. Why is he so well suited to Mumbai? What about the other members of his circle? What do each of the major characters love about the city?