The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Book Review
Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a book that offers life-changing wisdom through the story of a high-flying lawyer who gives it all up to seek enlightenment. At first glance, the title caught my attention—a stark contrast between material success and spiritual fulfilment. As someone who has always been curious about the balance between professional achievement and inner peace, I felt this book could offer some valuable insights.
Sharma introduces us to Julian Mantle, a successful, ambitious lawyer whose life is turned upside down by a sudden heart attack. Faced with his mortality, Julian decides to sell his mansion, his beloved Ferrari, and all his possessions to embark on a journey to India in search of a more meaningful existence. The narrative follows his transformation, guided by ancient wisdom he acquires from the monks of Sivana.
What I found engaging about the book is the way it weaves together simple, yet powerful life lessons. The wisdom shared by Julian—now a sage—is conveyed through practical steps and stories that are easy to grasp. Concepts like “The Garden of the Mind,” which emphasises the importance of nurturing positive thoughts, and “The Lighthouse,” which represents the importance of setting clear, purposeful goals, are presented in a way that feels accessible to anyone, regardless of their spiritual background. These metaphors, while simple, are memorable and can resonate long after finishing the book.
While the lessons are valuable, some readers who are well-versed in self-help or personal development literature might find the general ideas somewhat rudimentary. Sharma packages them neatly, making them conform to the story structure and narrative well. However, I found myself at times wanting more. More depth to each lesson. I appreciate though that further elaboration could have seen the book become too long-winded and sacrifice the flow of the story.
Furthermore, while engaging, at times the dialogue between Julian and his former protégé, John, who serves as the narrator felt somewhat rigid. It’s clear that Sharma intends to inspire and motivate, but occasionally the conversation feels more like a monologue—Julian delivering wisdom in a way that leaves little room for natural interaction. To me, This made the characters feel a little less relatable, as they appeared more like vehicles for the lessons above anything else. The book’s tone is undeniably positive, but it borders on being overly idealistic.
That said, there are moments in the book that genuinely inspired me. The idea that one should not just chase after success, but also nurture inner growth, is something that resonates deeply. The notion that happiness comes not from material wealth, but from living a life aligned with one’s values, is a message worth repeating. Sharma’s emphasis on living with intention, practising gratitude, and cultivating a disciplined mind are principles that I believe can benefit anyone. While the execution of these ideas might lack subtlety, the core message is powerful.
On the whole, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a book that has the potential to inspire, particularly for those new to self-help or in need of a reminder to slow down and reevaluate their priorities. Sharma’s writing is clear, and his lessons are easy to digest. This book is a good starting point for readers on a journey toward personal development. However, for those already familiar with the genre, the book may feel a bit too elementary and idealistic. Despite its shortcomings, it serves as a gentle nudge toward a more mindful and purposeful life, which is something we could all use.
Author
Robin Sharma
Publisher
Harper Thorsons
Publish Date
15 May 05
Read Time
7 Hours

Aaron Freeman
I’m a casual reader who enjoys sharing my literary journey. I aim to make my reviews relaxed, approachable and informative. With a passion for a variety of genres, I aim to offer something for every reader.