The Miracle Mile

Parker's life is confined to a tiny, noisy apartment in the heart of City Centre's bustling gay neighborhood. Trapped in a monotonous job with scheming bosses, his cramped living conditions mirror the constraints he feels daily. But when the possibility of suburban tranquility emerges, Parker faces a difficult decision. Leaving the city may threaten the long-term relationship with his partner Francis, who wants him to stay put. As Parker adjusts to suburban life, the allure of peace quickly fades. He encounters a homophobic neighbor and the oppressive bureaucracy of the suburban Province, with its endless red tape and cultural barriers. The daunting municipal center, known as The Miracle Mile, becomes a symbol of the challenges he must navigate in his new environment. Set against the backdrop of an unnamed, ostensibly liberal democracy, this sometimes surreal narrative unfolds with a distinctive, unconventional style. Through a cast of quirky yet mostly endearing characters, Mr. Goldstein's darkly comedic novel explores the existential angst of navigating the modern world, where the true meaning of happiness and freedom become as tangled as the red tape that binds us. Will Parker ever find peace, or remain forever lost in the chaotic world that surrounds him?