Who wrote the book that the TV show Shantaram is based on?

Context: Some types of oysters are commonly consumed, and in some locales are regarded as a delicacy. Some types of pearl oysters are harvested for the pearl produced within the mantle. Windowpane oysters are harvested for their translucent shells, which are used to make various kinds of decorative objects.

Answer: Gregory David Roberts wrote the novel Shantaram.