So, you've made it through all 42 chapters and are ready to learn the secret to peace, love, and happiness from Shantaram. And Gregory David Roberts doesn't want to disappoint. After lots and lots of platitudes that would probably work well as a graduation speech—if you're a valedictorian in a pinch—he ends with this final phrase: "We live on" (5.42.267). Um, say what?
Maybe he's hinting at a sequel? Maybe he's letting us know that the characters in the book are all actually based on real people? Maybe so, maybe no. But this novel is all about survival, forgiveness, and going on with life. So the simple phrase really does sum up the plot, sub-plot, and sub-sub-sub-sub-plots that really all want to tell us that one simple thing: life goes on.