Review
Omar Razaghi, an Iranian student who lives and works in America, wants to write a biography of obscure Uruguayan novelist Jules Gund, who is well respected although he only wrote one book. Three things stand in his way - Jules's wife, brother and mistress, the executors of the late author's estate. Omar needs their authorization to get a scholarship to write the book from his university. After their initial rejection, Omar flies to Uruguay to see them and enters their strange world. Cameron's style often seems to be that of a dramatist rather than a novelist. His characters' conversations are often comparable to those of Pinter and his descriptions are minimal, yet still strangely evocative, and a clear picture of the Uruguayan surroundings emerges. The South American world seems very 'other' compared to that of Kansas, where Omar, and his girlfriend Deirdre come from. The three executors are often described as 'mad' and it does often seem that way, but they are no madder than the United States residents that Omar has left behind. The biography, all-important at the beginning of the novel, begins to take a back seat as human relationships take precedence and it is only after Omar has a terrible accident that he begins to realize what is really important to him. This is one of the finest and most original novels of the year, a highly successful follow-up to Cameron's previous novels The Weekend and Andorra. The story is compelling, the characters are likeable and the setting is beautiful. A faultless, fascinating and unforgettable novel. (Kirkus UK)
Lucia Graves, DAILY TELEGRAPH
'a tender story - told with huge doses of wit and humour - about both destinations and destiny.'
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