Items related to A Good Place to Die
Synopsis
John Pitt, drop-out from the University of Bedford, has arrived in Iran, as a naive English teacher. It is 1974 and Iran is changing, with the forces of religious conservatism and of liberal reform at collision point. Amidst all this, he falls madly in love with one of his students, Shirin.
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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.
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
James Buchan writes like a dream . . . This novel is a rare achievement. --The Times
Lyrical in the intensity of its writing . . . tells the story of the love of a callow British youth for a Persian girl and for her tortured, beautiful country. It's a must read. --Donna Leon
Airy, graceful and big with truth . . . There is really no word for it but "masterpiece". --Spectator
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- PublisherThe Harvill Press
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 1860466478
- ISBN 13 9781860466472
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages320
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A Good Place to Die
Published by
Vintage Publishing, United Kingdom, London, 1999
ISBN 10: 1860466478
ISBN 13: 9781860466472
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. John Pitt, drop-out from the University of Bedford, has arrived in Iran, as a naive English teacher. It is 1974 and Iran is changing, with the forces of religious conservatism and of liberal reform at collision point. Amidst all this, he falls madly in love with one of his students, Shirin. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR001895676
Quantity: 1 available
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A Good Place to Die *** ARC ****
Seller: Coach Books, Hutton Roof, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. First Edition. Harvill 1999; An UNREAD, fine, RARE FIRST Edition ARC/proof in illustrated cover #H. Seller Inventory # 000712
Quantity: 1 available