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Monday 7 September 2009

Reddit


I have just finished a Big Book and I’m feeling bereft.

It was a fabulous Big Book, Shantaram, and for just over a week it has been my almost constant companion, causing me to neglect many things, like this blog. It’s given me back ache from weighing down my handbag. I’ve neglected sleep as I have been unable to put it down.

And now it’s over, and I am lost. I turned the last page I felt a stab of fear, what will I do now, now it’s over…

This book taught me that in a knife fight I must hold my weapon dagger style not like a fencer; why we say and Bob’s your Uncle, and it isn’t because Bob IS my uncle, seriously he is, my Uncle Bob the weather man; I was reminded about Singularity and I had to look it up to remember what rebus meant.

This book is amazing, one minute it’s all about love and life and the next it’s about gouging someone’s eyes out with your finger nails. But, it is so beautifully written, it’s one of those books that makes you say ‘so true’ over and over again.

I think it’s a true story about a heroin addicted prisoner who escapes to Bombay. He had to write the book three times because it was destroyed by prison guards, which is sad because even though the book doesn’t end there, it means he was caught again.

He lives a simple life, a mafia life, a war torn life and if you read the book you will live it too. I love books set in India, it seems such a colourful culture, these books make me itch to go there.

Buy it; read it; but please don’t ask to borrow it. I’m precious about my books and will only lend my favourites if I trust you to return them in the condition you got them (normally looking pretty untouched), and not many people get on that list.

Anyone suggest another good read?

Ps. I thought it taught me about why we say Bob’s your Uncle, but Wikipedia gives a different explanation!
Pps. thanks to Mamma Po Emily at Maternal Tales for the tweeted recommendation

7 comments:

Maternal Tales said...

Hello darling - so glad you enjoyed it. Was it not I who recommended it? I always like to claim my rights! But seriously, yes it is amazing. So amazing. I wanted to make notes in the margin, turn pages over and go back and highlight sentences. It is so beautifully written and for a long time I didn't want to read anotehr book because I didn't think I'd find one as good. I haven't yet, but I've embraced it. Definitely my favourite book in the whole world...

Unknown said...

Yes it was!

So sorry I lost the tweet and was generally being absolutely rubbish! Post updated.

I feel the same way about what to read next...what did you read?

Maternal Tales said...

Can't remember what I read directly afterwards because it was quite a while ago now. BUT, my other fave book in the whole world is Life of Pi. Can't remember if you've read that or not. If you haven't, you must. If you want something hilarious about India, try Are You Experienced by William Sutcliffe. Made me laugh out loud at every page. Not in the same league as Shantaram but good gor a cheer-up!

PippaD said...

Requested it at the library, should get it in the next week. Oh and Bob is my Mum's uncle, but his wife isnt called Fanny and he's a policeman.

Chic Mama said...

A friend has just finished it too, she was raving about it as well. I will put it on my list.

Hot Cross Mum said...

Sounds like one to add to my ever-increasing pile of 'must reads' on the bedside table. I couldn't put down The Road by Cormac McCarthy - but wept inconsolably for days afterwards (be warned in case u haven't read it). Secret Scriptures by Sebastian Barry also in my 'to read' pile and supposedly excellent. Too many books, not enough time.....

Unknown said...

Great great book, do read it!

The Road is next on my list Hot Cross Mum, and I have read the Secret Scriptures, which was quite good.

Emily I LOVE life of Pi too, and another fav is The God of Small Things.

I heart books, I really, really do.