by Erik Larson
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by James Buchan
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by Bohumil Hrabal
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by Richard Yates
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by James Buchan
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Amazon.co.uk Review
James Buchan's debut novel A Parish Of Rich Women has been singled out for many literary awards, and deservedly so--he writes with a rare intelligence and originality. However, it's his background as a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times that richly informs A Good Place To Die. At its heart, it is about the love of a young Englishman, John Pitt, for Shirin Farameh, the daughter of a general in the Imperial Air force of the Shah of Iran. Spanning the period 1974-1997, Buchan's complex story follows Pitt through his initial obsession with Shirin and, after the two elope, his discovery of the fact that his romantic ideal and reality do not match.
James Buchan's debut novel A Parish Of Rich Women has been singled out for many literary awards, and deservedly so--he writes with a rare intelligence and originality. However, it's his background as a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times that richly informs A Good Place To Die. At its heart, it is about the love of a young Englishman, John Pitt, for Shirin Farameh, the daughter of a general in the Imperial Air force of the Shah of Iran. Spanning the period 1974-1997, Buchan's complex story follows Pitt through his initial obsession with Shirin and, after the two elope, his discovery of the fact that his romantic ideal and reality do not match.
When Shirin vanishes as the pair and their infant child try to escape Iran, Pitt is imprisoned and tortured, but never gives up hope of finding the way back to his family. As the story unfolds, Buchan's rich descriptions of Pitt's surroundings and acceptance of his fate draw the reader in and provide a strong backbone to the traumatic events that seem to stalk him. Pitt is essentially a dreamer and his journey is a moving one. Despite the many trials he faces, he continually strives for a better life. In the early chapters, events move a little too quickly, but that's a minor detail in what is otherwise an enjoyable and challenging novel. --Paul Doyle
Review
Buchan is one of the most considerable of British writers, with a literary style that often echoes the complexities and psychological insights of Graham Greene. This latest book is particularly reminiscent of his illustrious predecessor with its innocent Englishman abroad finding himself up against sinister forces of oppression. In the Spring of 1974, 18-year-old John travels to Iran and becomes English teacher to the beautiful Shirin, a schoolgirl of 17. But when John falls in love with her and rescues her from the family home, the fact that her father is a general in the Imperial Air Force and her mother a princess of the old regime means that the couple is pursued by the internal security forces for Shirin's 'violation and murder'. Apart from the utterly compelling thriller narrative, Buchan's skill at astringent characterization is well to the fore (particularly with the beautiful Sherin, who becomes considerably more than an object of erotic desire). Arguably Buchan's finest novel to date, this is an unmissable treat for lovers of the literary thriller. (Kirkus UK)
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