Gregory David Roberts is an acclaimed Australian author best known for his international bestseller Shantaram, a semi-autobiographical novel that has captivated readers worldwide. Born in Melbourne in 1952, Roberts once lived a life marked by crime and addiction. After escaping from an Australian prison in the 1980s, he fled to India, where his extraordinary experiences in the underworld of Bombay became the foundation for his literary masterpiece.
In India, Roberts worked with doctors in slums, acted in Bollywood films, and founded a free health clinic for the poor. These real-life events were richly woven into Shantaram, which blends thrilling action with philosophical insights and vivid cultural depictions. His authentic storytelling and raw emotional depth earned him global recognition and a cult following.
After years of silence, Roberts returned to the literary scene with The Mountain Shadow (2015), the sequel to Shantaram, further exploring themes of redemption, love, and spiritual growth. His writing is celebrated for its poetic style, deep character development, and immersive narrative.
Beyond fiction, Gregory David Roberts is also a speaker and humanitarian, sharing his journey from crime to compassion. His story exemplifies the transformative power of literature and the human spirit. Today, he remains a respected voice in global literature, inspiring readers with messages of resilience, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
