A Good Place to Die (Panther) Book

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 DoyleRead More