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The Gentleman from Peru
A group of college friends find themselves marooned at a luxurious hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. While their boat is being repaired, they can't help but observe the daily routine of a fellow hotel guest - a mysterious, white-bearded stranger who sits on the veranda each night and smokes one cigarette, sometimes two. When the group decides to invite the elegant traveller to lunch with them, they cannot begin to imagine the miraculous abilities, strange wisdom, and a life-changing story he is about to impart to one of the friends in particular. . .
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2020
About the author
André Aciman
47 books9,696 followersAndré Aciman was born in Alexandria, Egypt and is an American memoirist, essayist, novelist, and scholar of seventeenth-century literature. He has also written many essays and reviews on Marcel Proust. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, The Paris Review, The New Republic, Condé Nast Traveler as well as in many volumes of The Best American Essays. Aciman received his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Harvard University, has taught at Princeton and Bard and is Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature at The CUNY Graduate Center. He is currently chair of the Ph. D. Program in Comparative Literature and founder and director of The Writers' Institute at the Graduate Center.
Aciman is the author of the Whiting Award-winning memoir Out of Egypt (1995), an account of his childhood as a Jew growing up in post-colonial Egypt. Aciman has published two other books: False Papers: Essays in Exile and Memory (2001), and a novel Call Me By Your Name (2007), which was chosen as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and won the Lambda Literary Award for Men's Fiction (2008). His forthcoming novel Eight White Nights (FSG) will be published on February 14, 2010
Aciman is the author of the Whiting Award-winning memoir Out of Egypt (1995), an account of his childhood as a Jew growing up in post-colonial Egypt. Aciman has published two other books: False Papers: Essays in Exile and Memory (2001), and a novel Call Me By Your Name (2007), which was chosen as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and won the Lambda Literary Award for Men's Fiction (2008). His forthcoming novel Eight White Nights (FSG) will be published on February 14, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 927 reviews
October 31, 2024
andre aciman characters date someone your own age challenge
August 18, 2024
3.75⭐️ a quick audible listen 💓
the plot was exciting, maybe the storytelling could have used a bit of mystery. the story opens with school mates who rent a boat for a reunion after 10 years and run into ironically, the mysterious gentleman of Peru who has a gift of insight into lives of others, even strangers and a bit of foresight into their future and taking away pain. oh and let's not forget, has knowledgeable personal experiences with reincarnation.
it's all slow and seem to be going nowhere- a man in his 60s hanging out in the sun by the waters with a much younger woman who is part of the reunion party. but it turns out she's a reincarnated lost love- enemies to lovers special. it seems very convenient for Aciman to once again portray an inappropriate age gap relationship between his two main characters.
the plot was exciting, maybe the storytelling could have used a bit of mystery. the story opens with school mates who rent a boat for a reunion after 10 years and run into ironically, the mysterious gentleman of Peru who has a gift of insight into lives of others, even strangers and a bit of foresight into their future and taking away pain. oh and let's not forget, has knowledgeable personal experiences with reincarnation.
it's all slow and seem to be going nowhere- a man in his 60s hanging out in the sun by the waters with a much younger woman who is part of the reunion party. but it turns out she's a reincarnated lost love- enemies to lovers special. it seems very convenient for Aciman to once again portray an inappropriate age gap relationship between his two main characters.
June 27, 2021
Listening to this story was lovely, I’ve heard several friends comment on other audible stories narrated by Eduardo Ballerini, and now I know why.
This was enchanting, a story of love and loss. A man who seems to be clairvoyant, and seemingly able to miraculously heal injuries, as well. His charm and his powers to heal pull in a group of people, but one woman in particular.
A lovely story of lives lived and re-lived, and love reawakened. A subtly bewitching short time-travel story of love re-found and remembered.
April 18, 2024
Another book I reallly wanted to love but that didn’t quite deliver. Aciman recycles some elements from CMBYN in this one (the scenery, the sensual role of fruit picked ripe from the trees, the massaging someone’s shoulder without asking if it’s okay, lol) which almost made this feel like he tried to recreate the same feeling in a different story. Don’t get me wrong - I love a slow Italian summer, but it’s not enough. And while the idea of the plot has potential, the distance that is created between the reader and the characters that frankly have nothing likeable about them, makes this an uncomfortable and slow read.
March 12, 2024
I thought this was a new novel, which is how Faber are marketing it, but it looks like it's just the print version of an Audible original from a couple years ago. Which is fine. But, odd. Anyway, it's a nice story but perhaps not substantial enough to justify its existence as a standalone book.
October 18, 2020
Oh dear. The narrator is great, let’s get that out of the way. The premise is intriguing but wholly false. The school mates that rent a boat for a 10 year reunion are completely irrelevant to the story. What the summary should say is:” ramblings and rememberings of an old man who meets his lost love reincarnated”. I found it boring and pointless. Not my cup of tea.
I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like Aciman’s writing despite Call me by your name being fantastic. His other books; enigma variations, Harvard square and this one didn’t interest me and I gave up halfway though the first two.
I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like Aciman’s writing despite Call me by your name being fantastic. His other books; enigma variations, Harvard square and this one didn’t interest me and I gave up halfway though the first two.
September 6, 2024
"We spend more time than we know trying to go back. We call it fantasising, we call it dreaming... but we're all crawling back, each in his or her own way."
A quick and atmospheric read but perhaps not long enough to really delve into the intricacies of the relationships and the dynamic of the group and 'the gentlemen from Peru'.
A quick and atmospheric read but perhaps not long enough to really delve into the intricacies of the relationships and the dynamic of the group and 'the gentlemen from Peru'.
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September 8, 2020An intriguing story that asks big questions, beautifully written by Aciman. Intellectual and sensual, The Gentleman from Peru is a delightful read/listen. Narration by Edoardo Ballerini is magnificent.
July 23, 2024
She once asked him if this was real. 'Does any of it not feel real?' he'd answered. 'No.' 'So why ask?' 'Because we need to ask, because we need to know, because I fear the worst.' 'If you're going to England, I want to be on the same plane with you. If you're ever on a boat, I want to sail on it. If you're crossing the street even, I'll walk with you.'
had me in the first half and delivered on the final gut punch, but sadly lost me in the middle. overall, a very weird story. i mean, not really, but i think sometimes the guy just talked in circles without really saying anything and while i love my litfic to be plotless and just vibes - i kinda want it to still make sense most of the time?
also, it wasn't gay. which is my fault for assuming, but i really wanted it to be gay.
had me in the first half and delivered on the final gut punch, but sadly lost me in the middle. overall, a very weird story. i mean, not really, but i think sometimes the guy just talked in circles without really saying anything and while i love my litfic to be plotless and just vibes - i kinda want it to still make sense most of the time?
also, it wasn't gay. which is my fault for assuming, but i really wanted it to be gay.
May 30, 2024
Enemies to lovers but make it the most poetic, sensual, spiritual, soul crushing, relationship.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Stumbled upon it without expecting much other than fun sexy summer in the Amalfi coast vibes but I was completely blown away. I’d say this book is magical realism but I refuse to because I want to believe Aciman‘s interpretation of reincarnation is the only true correct one. lol
I will be recommending this book to everyone I cross paths with from now on. Thank you André Aciman for your services to my soul.
" Each one of us is a constellation of selves, some are not even lodged in us, but in other people, which is why sometimes we recognize others right away — because they are us in someone else’s body. "
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Stumbled upon it without expecting much other than fun sexy summer in the Amalfi coast vibes but I was completely blown away. I’d say this book is magical realism but I refuse to because I want to believe Aciman‘s interpretation of reincarnation is the only true correct one. lol
I will be recommending this book to everyone I cross paths with from now on. Thank you André Aciman for your services to my soul.
" Each one of us is a constellation of selves, some are not even lodged in us, but in other people, which is why sometimes we recognize others right away — because they are us in someone else’s body. "
September 29, 2024
Три доста тъжни и проникновени истории са включени в това симпатично издание на “Лабиринт”.
Първата - и едноименна - новела “Джентълменът от Перу” среща наглед случайно различни светове и възрасти в едно сякаш райско или най-малкото луксозно кътче нейде по бреговете на Тиренско море. Група безгрижни американски отпускари срещат странен непознат и против волята си навлизат из здрачни територии на сенки, недомлъвки, тайни и нежелани прозрения. Камерен, лиричен и смиряващ текст.
Останалите две новели, макар да имаха силните си моменти, просто не бяха моето. Но те са без значение на фона на първата.
————
”Ние се завръщаме на този свят, за да поправим живота си, защото повечето хора го живеят несъвършено.
- И защо непрекъснато правят погрешния избор?
- Защо ли? Защото никой не иска да се приеме наистина такъв, какьвто е. Всеки иска онова аз, което му се струва най-доброто, и се надява да бьде обичан заради онова, което не е и никога не би могъл да бьде. Ала дребното чудо на живота, най-мъничкото, но и най-непредвидимото чудо се случва, когато срещнем хора, които ни виждат такива, каквито сме, и ни желаят такива, каквито сме - и именно тях пропъждаме най-често, тези хора допускаме в живота си с негодувание, презрение и безгранична апатия, а понякога дори с омраза. Но в мига, в който двама души се обичат такива, каквито са в действителност, времето за тях спира […]”
————
Първата - и едноименна - новела “Джентълменът от Перу” среща наглед случайно различни светове и възрасти в едно сякаш райско или най-малкото луксозно кътче нейде по бреговете на Тиренско море. Група безгрижни американски отпускари срещат странен непознат и против волята си навлизат из здрачни територии на сенки, недомлъвки, тайни и нежелани прозрения. Камерен, лиричен и смиряващ текст.
Останалите две новели, макар да имаха силните си моменти, просто не бяха моето. Но те са без значение на фона на първата.
————
”Ние се завръщаме на този свят, за да поправим живота си, защото повечето хора го живеят несъвършено.
- И защо непрекъснато правят погрешния избор?
- Защо ли? Защото никой не иска да се приеме наистина такъв, какьвто е. Всеки иска онова аз, което му се струва най-доброто, и се надява да бьде обичан заради онова, което не е и никога не би могъл да бьде. Ала дребното чудо на живота, най-мъничкото, но и най-непредвидимото чудо се случва, когато срещнем хора, които ни виждат такива, каквито сме, и ни желаят такива, каквито сме - и именно тях пропъждаме най-често, тези хора допускаме в живота си с негодувание, презрение и безгранична апатия, а понякога дори с омраза. Но в мига, в който двама души се обичат такива, каквито са в действителност, времето за тях спира […]”
————
February 10, 2024
The Gentleman From Peru is a novella by Egyptian-born American memoirist, essayist, novelist, and scholar of seventeenth-century literature, André Aciman. A group of eight Americans in their late twenties are stranded in on the Amalfi coast when their hired vessel develops mechanical problems. They’re enjoying free accommodation in a hotel, and their people-watching notes a dapper, bespectacled gentleman in his sixties, armed with notebook and fountain pen, about whose background they make guesses.
When Raúl approaches Mark, it’s to relieve the young man’s distressing shoulder pain. His healing touch amazes, but that is eclipsed by what he seems to know about each of the friends, facts that some don’t even know themselves. He is invited to join them, and happily chats about himself when asked, but his knowledge about each of them leads to a philosophical discussion that includes the concept of past lives, future lives and parallel universes.
“We may no longer be the person we once were, but what if this person did not necessarily die but continued his life in the shadowland of our own, so that you could say that our life is filled with shadow-selves who continue to tug along and to beckon us in all directions even as we live our own lives– all these selves clamouring to have their say, their time, their life, if only we listened and gave in to them!”
One of their number, Margot is a little irritated, and perhaps more sceptical about Raúl’s intentions than the others. Is that why he focusses on her? Is that why he invites her to lunch, and convinces her to accompany him to see certain places off the tourist trail? What might his agenda be?
In less that two hundred pages, Aciman gives the reader characters with depth and appeal, evokes his setting with gorgeous descriptive prose, and crafts a plot that is intriguing, moving and thought-provoking. An entrancing read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber.
When Raúl approaches Mark, it’s to relieve the young man’s distressing shoulder pain. His healing touch amazes, but that is eclipsed by what he seems to know about each of the friends, facts that some don’t even know themselves. He is invited to join them, and happily chats about himself when asked, but his knowledge about each of them leads to a philosophical discussion that includes the concept of past lives, future lives and parallel universes.
“We may no longer be the person we once were, but what if this person did not necessarily die but continued his life in the shadowland of our own, so that you could say that our life is filled with shadow-selves who continue to tug along and to beckon us in all directions even as we live our own lives– all these selves clamouring to have their say, their time, their life, if only we listened and gave in to them!”
One of their number, Margot is a little irritated, and perhaps more sceptical about Raúl’s intentions than the others. Is that why he focusses on her? Is that why he invites her to lunch, and convinces her to accompany him to see certain places off the tourist trail? What might his agenda be?
In less that two hundred pages, Aciman gives the reader characters with depth and appeal, evokes his setting with gorgeous descriptive prose, and crafts a plot that is intriguing, moving and thought-provoking. An entrancing read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber.
March 1, 2021
Forse le mie alte aspettative non mi hanno permesso di godermelo.
Cercavo atmosfere evocative, riflessioni struggenti. Invece l’ho trovato un po’ banale, scritto troppo di fretta. Pensieri superficiali, quasi a voler strappare qualche lacrima dozzinale.
Cercavo atmosfere evocative, riflessioni struggenti. Invece l’ho trovato un po’ banale, scritto troppo di fretta. Pensieri superficiali, quasi a voler strappare qualche lacrima dozzinale.
October 28, 2020
After reading “Find Me”, I admit I was hesitant to pick up another book by Aciman. I just didn’t care for it after absolutely loving “Call Me by Your Name”.
But, I thought this little novella hit all the right notes. It was sophisticated and sentimental to the perfect degree and quenched the thirst I didn’t know I even had to slip away into Mediterranean life for a few short hours. The fruit tasted sweet, the sun shone warm and it was subtly erotic and raw and believable...it made for a delicious and balanced charcuterie board of words.
But, I thought this little novella hit all the right notes. It was sophisticated and sentimental to the perfect degree and quenched the thirst I didn’t know I even had to slip away into Mediterranean life for a few short hours. The fruit tasted sweet, the sun shone warm and it was subtly erotic and raw and believable...it made for a delicious and balanced charcuterie board of words.
May 14, 2024
Only André Aciman would describe an enemies to lovers romance as 'intamacy by contrario motu'. He so silly. But for real, the way I wanna live inside one of these novels where evryone quotes Homer to eachother, eats citrus on the beach, and has life altering love affairs. Like, damn André, you really cooked here king.
September 7, 2020
Free audible selection. If you're a fan of time travel and reincarnation, you might enjoy it.
July 9, 2024
this really reassured me that i will be published one day
September 5, 2024
Rating: ⭐ 5/5
"We come back to correct our lives, because most lives are lived imperfectly."
"Haven't we all embraced air when all we wanted was to hold someone dear to us when they were gone from our lives?"
This was my first read by André Aciman and certainly not the last.
A group of American college friends holidaying in Italy encounter a mysterious old man, Raúl from Peru. He knows a lot about each one of them, and they find him intriguing. The narrative unfolds from there... And in just over 100 pages, the author crafts a magical story that will leave you eager for more.
Set in the picturesque Amalfi Coast, the story blends elements of magic realism, long-lost love, and reincarnation. I found it beautiful, poignant, nostalgic, and quite thought-provoking.
In short, I LOVED IT... It will linger with me for a long time. That being said, it's not everyone's cup of tea. Obviously. I will, however, recommend it selectively.
"We come back to correct our lives, because most lives are lived imperfectly."
"Haven't we all embraced air when all we wanted was to hold someone dear to us when they were gone from our lives?"
This was my first read by André Aciman and certainly not the last.
A group of American college friends holidaying in Italy encounter a mysterious old man, Raúl from Peru. He knows a lot about each one of them, and they find him intriguing. The narrative unfolds from there... And in just over 100 pages, the author crafts a magical story that will leave you eager for more.
Set in the picturesque Amalfi Coast, the story blends elements of magic realism, long-lost love, and reincarnation. I found it beautiful, poignant, nostalgic, and quite thought-provoking.
In short, I LOVED IT... It will linger with me for a long time. That being said, it's not everyone's cup of tea. Obviously. I will, however, recommend it selectively.
July 22, 2021
Otto ragazzi americani, a seguito di un guasto alla barca, decidono di proseguire le loro vacanze estive alloggiando in un hotel sulla Costiera amalfitana. Qui conoscono Raúl, un uomo sulla sessantina ospite dello stesso albergo, che da molti anni è solito passare l'estate in quella località. Quello che sorprende di Raúl è che conosca tutto di loro, anche dettagli molto intimi sulla loro vita di cui loro stessi non erano a conoscenza. Raúl sembra aver vissuto fuori dal tempo e dallo spazio, e formerà una connessione speciale con Margot, una ragazza del gruppo inizialmente molto ostile verso di lui. Una connessione che li porterà indietro nel tempo, ricollegandosi a una storia d'amore conclusasi tragicamente.
Aciman non mi ha convinto molto in questo romanzo, in particolare gli elementi fantastici non mi hanno entusiasmata. Per lo più certi aspetti importanti non sono stati chiariti e quindi mi sono parsi privi di logica. Peccato perché aveva un grande potenziale.
Aciman non mi ha convinto molto in questo romanzo, in particolare gli elementi fantastici non mi hanno entusiasmata. Per lo più certi aspetti importanti non sono stati chiariti e quindi mi sono parsi privi di logica. Peccato perché aveva un grande potenziale.
December 27, 2020
Are these the only people who can be reincarnated? What about the other friends? Are they even relevant to the plot? Where does Raul get his powers from? How does that even come to pass is this story? And why 18 x 18? What is the significance? Amazing narrator, but I did not care for these characters nor this mess of a story.
September 11, 2020
Quick Audible Original. Meh.
September 12, 2020
I love the audio version-great narrator. He brought one of my favorite authors words to life.
May 2, 2024
gorgeously written, elegiac and moving, this is what i read fiction for
March 22, 2021
Primo libro di Aciman letto, prima (mezza) delusione.
Non è un libro pessimo.
Non è un libro bellissimo.
Lo collocherei nel limbo dei libri, tra quelle storie che hanno un ottimo potenziale, ma che non funzionano. Almeno con me.
Frasi stucchevoli da biglietto di San Valentino, personaggi vuoti, pedanti e imbarazzanti. L'idea, il concept, sono interessanti, ma sviluppati in modo da acquistare il favore e i sentimenti del lettore: in poche parole, l'autore si comporta da vero ruffiano, comprandosi il lettore con frasi fatte ed emozioni costruite ad hoc.
Alcuni punti a favore di questo romanzo invece sono le descrizioni dei meravigliosi paesaggi italiani, in generale l'atmosfera estiva che trasuda dal testo e la sua piacevole scorrevolezza.
Non è un libro pessimo.
Non è un libro bellissimo.
Lo collocherei nel limbo dei libri, tra quelle storie che hanno un ottimo potenziale, ma che non funzionano. Almeno con me.
Frasi stucchevoli da biglietto di San Valentino, personaggi vuoti, pedanti e imbarazzanti. L'idea, il concept, sono interessanti, ma sviluppati in modo da acquistare il favore e i sentimenti del lettore: in poche parole, l'autore si comporta da vero ruffiano, comprandosi il lettore con frasi fatte ed emozioni costruite ad hoc.
Alcuni punti a favore di questo romanzo invece sono le descrizioni dei meravigliosi paesaggi italiani, in generale l'atmosfera estiva che trasuda dal testo e la sua piacevole scorrevolezza.
April 8, 2024
The evocative scenery and sensory descriptions of this novella were beautiful and captivating. But the storyline left me cold. I couldn't feel where the author was trying to lead me. Maybe it was just too short. Or maybe I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief enough. But this didn't do much for me I'm afraid.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
September 29, 2020
Nice little story. This book was interesting and enjoyable but nothing special in my opinion.
September 9, 2024
“We come back to correct our lives, because most lives are lived imperfectly.”
Very unexpected read. This book will sit with me for a long time.
Very unexpected read. This book will sit with me for a long time.
August 18, 2024
I rarely read recently released books but this was recommended to me by one of the school librarians. It’s slight and I found the story and style irritating.
May 3, 2024
It’s very rare for me to describe a book as beautiful, but it’s the only word that I can find that accurately sums up this one.
The Gentleman From Peru by André Aciman was the first book I’ve read by this author, having only heard of Call Me By Your Name before but not picked it up. I can see why people heave easily fallen in love with his writing, and I feel that this is exactly the type of book I needed to pick up to avoid a slumpy vibe in the middle of my current fantasy read.
The writing is both lyrical but matter of fact at the same time, and this is displayed through his characters - primarily Raul and Margot. This for me, as I described to a friend, is very much a “veranda read” - something that you pick up on a sunny afternoon on holiday when you’ve nothing else going on, and you lose yourself in the sunshine vibes of the book.
You’ll picture yourself dining with the characters, smelling the scents of the coast, and becoming lost in both the loveliness and heartbreak that this book has to offer.
I’d actually argue that this will be one of my favourite reads of the year, which has really surprised me!
The Gentleman From Peru by André Aciman was the first book I’ve read by this author, having only heard of Call Me By Your Name before but not picked it up. I can see why people heave easily fallen in love with his writing, and I feel that this is exactly the type of book I needed to pick up to avoid a slumpy vibe in the middle of my current fantasy read.
The writing is both lyrical but matter of fact at the same time, and this is displayed through his characters - primarily Raul and Margot. This for me, as I described to a friend, is very much a “veranda read” - something that you pick up on a sunny afternoon on holiday when you’ve nothing else going on, and you lose yourself in the sunshine vibes of the book.
You’ll picture yourself dining with the characters, smelling the scents of the coast, and becoming lost in both the loveliness and heartbreak that this book has to offer.
I’d actually argue that this will be one of my favourite reads of the year, which has really surprised me!
December 17, 2020
This intriguing novella was beautifully written. It is an enchanting read about time travel and reincarnation and lost love. It takes place in the Mediterranean where we immerse ourselves with the evocative scenery.
A young woman, Margot. Is among friends cruising on a boat when it becomes marooned off the Amalfi coast. They are befriended by an elderly gentleman from Peru, Raul. He magically heals a group member when he was injured and in pain. Margot is suspicious but becomes intrigued by his powers. She gets to know him better through the days of their stay and becomes enchanted with him. She tests his clairvoyance. Margot discovers her past in another life and that they once knew each other. She finds out he knows her story and background they have loved each other before. This is not the beginning of their lives or the end of their love story. It was a lovely, entertaining read if you like time travel stories.
A young woman, Margot. Is among friends cruising on a boat when it becomes marooned off the Amalfi coast. They are befriended by an elderly gentleman from Peru, Raul. He magically heals a group member when he was injured and in pain. Margot is suspicious but becomes intrigued by his powers. She gets to know him better through the days of their stay and becomes enchanted with him. She tests his clairvoyance. Margot discovers her past in another life and that they once knew each other. She finds out he knows her story and background they have loved each other before. This is not the beginning of their lives or the end of their love story. It was a lovely, entertaining read if you like time travel stories.
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