I just finished one of the best novels I've ever read, 'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts. A huge, sprawling novel set in Bombay, it grabs from the first chapter until the last line on page 933. Beautifully written and with scenes that are cinematic in their intensity. Its' so good I'd consider reading it again - I've only ever re-read one book before, 'Lord of the Rings', both times prior to the film. Speaking of film you may want to read it before the film comes out in 2008 and ruins the whole thing. Although Johnny Depp is involved so it might be okay . . .
Plot Summary from Wikipedia:
Shantaram is an uncompromising story of a fugitive - based on Roberts' experience - on the run in Bombay, India; a man who sets up a free clinic in a slum, works for the biggest Don in the Bombay Mafia, works as a money launderer and street soldier, heads straight into Russian guns in the mountains of Afghanistan, and earns the name insightfully given him by his best friend's mother - "Shantaram", meaning "man of peace".
