The Bone Man of Benares

I have had this on my shelf a long time, and hadn't really looked at it since I bought it. I wasn't sure what it was when I picked it up - it is categorised on the back as travel/memoir. I see that after its initial release it has been subtitled ‘a novel based on a true story', which seems a much more realistic assessment than travel/memoir.In many respects, it is similar to Gregory David Roberts' [b:Shantaram 33600 Shantaram Gregory David Roberts https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1333482282s/33600.jpg 3174890], which is a real love or hate book. Personally, I consider once you remove your self from a position total belief, Shantaram is enjoyable, and I also enjoyed this - with some suspended belief.In the book we visit interesting places - many of which I have visited - Thailand, Laos, Sweden, Amsterdam, Paris, Greece, Kenya, India, Nepal and Indonesia, amongst others. They are a fitting backdrop for the drug induced travel of a musician, who shags his way from destination to destination with a succession of hot girls he picks up.Set in the 1970s, the destination are not the worn out tourist traps they are now, but offered a bit more seclusion, more of a welcome, and the Terry of this book, like the author, stayed for a decent duration in each place that took his fancy - no three night wonder, more like three months. The benefit of being a musician (harmonica, later guitar too) means that it is possible to earn while travelling - a luxury most of us don't have.While not a completely likeable character Terry is certainly ‘mostly likeable', and thankfully for me the philosophy in the book is kept moderate and never lasts too long in the narrative - as that is a surefire way to put me off. I read it in three days, which gives a good indication it is fast moving and easy to read - perfectly forming a alternate read from the slightly slow book I am midway through.Final thought - I'm not sure the title was the best selection - it is duplicated in a chapter title, where Terry does meet the bone man, but it is one of many incidents in the book, and is probably a bit dislocated from the story. Nevertheless, a good quick read I enjoyed.4 stars.