Shantaram : Gregory David Roberts

  In 1980, a former herion addict escapes Australian prison, and flees to Bombay. Having fallen in love with the country upon landing he learns to regain the aspects of his life he formerly lost. The character development within the book, is one which shows a great diversity of perspectives, from slums to five-star hotels, Gregory David Robert writes in beautiful detail of his characters, thoughts, opinions and his meaning behind continuing on; the meaning of life. 
  Although the book is an extremely heavy read, it forms a lot of quotable phrases, which makes one rethink everything relevant to your life. After "Lin-Baba"'s 10 years in Bombay, he returns to Australia as captive, having learnt the heart, life and love of the world. This novel could be considered an auto-biography, and is a high recommendation of mine.