Gregory David Roberts

Date of Birth: June 21, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Gregory David Roberts, born Gregory John Peter Smith, is an Australian author best known for his novel “Shantaram,” a vivid, semi-autobiographical account of his life as an escaped Australian convict living in the underworld of Bombay (Mumbai). Gregory was born in Melbourne, Australia, and had a turbulent youth which included addiction to heroin. His criminal activities to fund his addiction led to his imprisonment, from which he famously escaped in 1980. He spent the subsequent years on the run, living in various countries including India, where he found refuge in the bustling streets of Bombay. His experiences during this period formed the basis of “Shantaram,” which has been acclaimed for its rich, immersive storytelling and deep philosophical insights. Roberts has also written a sequel, “The Mountain Shadow,” and continues to be an influential figure in contemporary literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Gregory David Roberts

1. Gregory David Roberts escaped from Pentridge Prison in 1980 and fled to India, where he lived for ten years.

2. “Shantaram” was initially rejected by numerous publishers before becoming an international bestseller.

3. Roberts spent time living in a Mumbai slum, where he set up a free medical clinic.

4. He has also worked as a counterfeiter, smuggler, gunrunner, and a member of the Bombay mafia.

5. In 1990, Roberts was recaptured and served out the remainder of his sentence in Australia.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gregory David Roberts

1. “The only thing more ruthless than the ruling class is the underclass.”

2. “Sometimes we love with nothing more than hope. Sometimes we cry with everything except tears.”

3. “The past reflects eternally between two mirrors—the bright mirror of words and deeds and the dark one, full of things we didn’t do or say.”

4. “Truth is a bully we all pretend to like.”

5. “Fate always gives you two choices, the one you should take, and the one you do.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Gregory David Roberts’ net worth is estimated to have reached approximately $10 million, primarily from the sales of his books and related rights.

Children

Gregory David Roberts has one daughter, born during his time in captivity before his escape. He has kept much of his personal life, including details about his children, relatively private.