Rating: 
Summary: A subtle, tender and evocative novel
Review: Omar Razaghi left Iran with his parents at the age of ten and moved to Canada. At the beginning of the novel, he is in his mid twenties and has been awarded a stipend by the University of Kansas Press to fund the publication of a biography of Jules Gund, the author of a single work of fiction called "The Gondola". But before Omar can start doing research for the biography, he needs the authorisation of the Gund literary trust which consists of three people: Caroline and Adam Gund and Arden Langdon, all three living in Ochos Rios, Uruguay. After having written to the trustees, Omar receives their disappointing answer: they refuse to grant him the authorisation he needs for the biography. Being a rather hesitant and indecisive young man - perhaps the archetype of the doctoral student in literature - Omar is about to give up his plans when he is convinced by his buoyant girlfriend Deidre that it is his duty not to abate, not to abandon his literary project. At this point the reader's mind is already full of questions: why don't the trustees want to grant the permission? Is there some aspect of Jules Gund's life that they want to keep secret for ever? Will Omar - considering his character - be able to change their mind?
Mr Cameron's novel features subtle dialogue, reflections about love, loss, grief, posterity. The descriptions of Ochos Rios, a languid and dreamy place, are superb. Even though the atmosphere is at times as heavy as the humid air of the jungle, wit and comedy still find their place in this superbly crafted novel.
Rating:
Summary: Peter Cameron does it again!
Review: There are a select few authors that I look forward to reading. Peter Cameron is within that group. The anticipation of picking up one of his books is exciting, because I know I will be in for a very good read. And this latest book is no exception.Reading this book, I had no idea where Mr. Cameron was going to take me. The characters are rich and the plot absorbing. And half-way through this read, I thought that wherever he would leave me really didn't matter. While the destination was awesome, my journey was equally satisfying. I highly recommend this book (and any of Mr. Cameron's other ones as well). He writes so well. Using a minimum of words, he is able to tell the story so vividly, far better than a lot of other authors who use paragraphs upon paragraphs to describe a scene. There are writers who write stories, and then there are authors, such as Mr. Cameron, who write literature. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: Such a charming book!
Review: This book is such a wonderful, enjoyable read. The descriptions stick with you - even weeks after reading this book I think back to the dusty path to Adam's house or the orchard with the bees or even the oft-disappearing dog, Mitzie. We read this book for book group and people were divided - some thought the plot was quite slow, but I personally felt compelled to find out what happened with Omar's grant and with his love.
Rating:
Summary: Warm, complex, satisfying
Review: This is one of the most satisfying novels I have read in quite awhile. Cameron has created a well developed, complex and somewhat esoteric plot with rich characters. The author's imagination takes you from Kansas to Uruguay to New York and incorporates German Jewish,Iranian, Thai, French, and American emigres. All are escaping war, exploitation, their own sordid pasts or some combination. He depicts each with warmth and compassion and while a seemingly unlikely combination he presents them in an entirely plausible fashion. Cameron's adept use of foreshadowing and metaphor are a joy to experience. This is such a fine book that I look forward to re-reading it when I find myself in need of a reliable, welcome diversion.
Rating:
Summary: Such a charming book!
Review: This is one of those rare novels that is almost perfect in every way. Dialogue so rich you stop and re-read passages just to savour every word. Characters so warm, funny and real that you feel you know them intimately. No need to re-hash the plot here, suffice to say this is one of the most enjoyable stories I have read for a very long time. I will be recommending this novel lavishly and without hesitation. It deserves all the accolades and praise it has received. "The City of Your Final Destination" is a must read for everyone who appreciates writing at it's best.
Rating:
Summary: Some of the best writing I've encountered
Review: This is one of those rare novels that is almost perfect in every way. Dialogue so rich you stop and re-read passages just to savour every word. Characters so warm, funny and real that you feel you know them intimately. No need to re-hash the plot here, suffice to say this is one of the most enjoyable stories I have read for a very long time. I will be recommending this novel lavishly and without hesitation. It deserves all the accolades and praise it has received. "The City of Your Final Destination" is a must read for everyone who appreciates writing at it's best.
Rating:
Summary: Facing or Avoiding Your Life's Destination!
Review: This is Peter Cameron's fourth novel. An intelligent and cleverly written story that deals with facing or avoiding life's choices. It's a page turner that will keep you guessing right from the beginning what the final outcome of the story will be. Cameron, a gay author, best known for his novel, THE WEEKEND, has written an old-fashioned type of story that is a joy to read.
Doctoral student Omar Razaghi wants to write a biography of deceased author Jules Gund. The three executors of the Gund's estate; Caroline, his wife; Arden, his mistress; and his gay brother, Adam, deny Omar's request for permission to write an authorized biography. Omar realizes his only chance to change their minds is to make an unexpected trip to their home in Uruguay. At this point in the story, Omar's whole life seems to become unraveled. Omar is hurled into the center of a cast of mixed-up characters' lives and relationships. Only an author like Cameron could dream up these people, and it's through his talented writing that these characters develop into loving, caring and feeling people. Will Omar be able to face or will he avoid the choices set before him? I enjoyed this satisfying and hypnotic story. A good book to relax with and spend a couple of "quiet" evenings reading. I hated to see the story end. Check this one out for a rewarding read!
Rating:
Summary: Facing or Avoiding Your Life's Destination!
Review: This is Peter Cameron's fourth novel. An intelligent and cleverly written story that deals with facing or avoiding life's choices. It's a page turner that will keep you guessing right from the beginning what the final outcome of the story will be. Cameron, a gay author, best known for his novel, THE WEEKEND, has written an old-fashioned type of story that is a joy to read.
Doctoral student Omar Razaghi wants to write a biography of deceased author Jules Gund. The three executors of the Gund's estate; Caroline, his wife; Arden, his mistress; and his gay brother, Adam, deny Omar's request for permission to write an authorized biography. Omar realizes his only chance to change their minds is to make an unexpected trip to their home in Uruguay. At this point in the story, Omar's whole life seems to become unraveled. Omar is hurled into the center of a cast of mixed-up characters' lives and relationships. Only an author like Cameron could dream up these people, and it's through his talented writing that these characters develop into loving, caring and feeling people. Will Omar be able to face or will he avoid the choices set before him? I enjoyed this satisfying and hypnotic story. A good book to relax with and spend a couple of "quiet" evenings reading. I hated to see the story end. Check this one out for a rewarding read!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Sublime
Review: You have already read the reviews that detail the plot summary, so that is not my purpose. I want to commend this novel to anyone who yearns for a richly crafted story filled with characters we all wish to know (and love?) who struggle through a life not quite what they desire, yet never giving up on their personal search for what they believe will bring them happiness and peace. Nothing has touched me so deeply since reading Patrick Gale's 'Rough Music' - an incredible pair of novels of the human heart and soul.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Sublime
Review: You have already read the reviews that detail the plot summary, so that is not my purpose. I want to commend this novel to anyone who yearns for a richly crafted story filled with characters we all wish to know (and love?) who struggle through a life not quite what they desire, yet never giving up on their personal search for what they believe will bring them happiness and peace. Nothing has touched me so deeply since reading Patrick Gale's 'Rough Music' - an incredible pair of novels of the human heart and soul.
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