Paul Auster is one of the most influential writers in contemporary literature, with works translated into more than forty languages. Despite his fame, delving into his work can be difficult given how precise and refined his prose is. To avoid unnecessary frustrations with Auster, we have prepared a reading guide for you: a tour in 10 easy steps so as not to miss any of the author’s key works.
Where to Start Reading Paul Auster
Born into a middle-class Jewish family, Auster studied French, Italian, and English literature at Columbia University before moving to Paris, where he worked as a translator. His arrival on the American literary scene in the eighties was a breath of fresh air. His work fuses the best of both North American and European traditions, presenting a narrative universe characterized by chance, identity, and metafiction.
To immerse yourself in his work, the best entry point is ‘The New York Trilogy.’ This seminal work not only established Auster internationally but also reinvented the detective genre through metafictional games and existential searches.
The Best Novels by Paul Auster in Order
1. The New York Trilogy (1987)
Auster’s acclaimed trilogy comprises ‘Crystal City,’ ‘Ghosts,’ and ‘The Locked Room,’ marking a new direction for North American literature. The trilogy’s investigative narratives evolve into inquiries about identity and reality. For instance, in ‘City of Glass,’ a writer mistakenly takes on the role of a detective, leading to an existential journey.
2. The Invention of Solitude (1982)
This poignant work explores themes of memory and solitude, particularly poignant after Auster’s father’s death. It comprises two complementary essays, with ‘Portrait of an Invisible Man’ examining loss, and ‘The Book of Memory,’ reflecting on fatherhood. This book lays the emotional groundwork for Auster’s literary journey.
3. The Palace of the Moon (1989)
Tackling modern issues of paternity and imposture, this novel follows Marco Stanley Fogg, an orphan whose journey leads him to write a biography for a paralyzed painter. The narrative weaves metaphors of light and discovery, making it a favorite among readers.
4. Leviathan (1992)
Auster’s most politicized novel reflects on the disillusionment of the Vietnam generation. It begins with a bomb explosion and follows a writer documenting his missing friend, whose life reveals layers of conflict and identity crises.
5. The Music of Chance (1990)
This gripping narrative blends a road novel with Gothic elements. Following a firefighter who wanders America after losing his family, the story delves into themes of chance, freedom, and isolation as he teams up with a troubled poker player for a high-stakes game.
6. The Book of Illusions (2002)
A touching homage to silent cinema, this novel revolves around a writer’s obsession with a vanished film star, exploring the responsibilities of artists and the fragility of creativity.
7. Brooklyn Follies (2005)
Shifting to a lighter tone, Auster’s narrative follows a recently divorced man’s journey through Brooklyn, rekindling connections while reflecting on his past, all while writing a book that encapsulates his regrets.
8. Invisible (2009)
With a complex structure, this novel presents intersecting narratives exploring youthful longing and justice, all woven together through intricate storytelling techniques that challenge the notion of truth.
9. Winter Diary (2012)
In this atypical autobiography, Auster narrates fragmented memories in the second person. This chaotic flow enables readers to glimpse the author’s life and influences while revealing the autobiography’s blurred lines with fiction.
10. 4 3 2 1 (2017)
Auster’s most ambitious novel features four parallel lives of Archie Ferguson, a reflection on identity and chance. With masterful structure, it delves into the history of mid-20th century America while presenting a vast literary tapestry.
By following this guide, you can navigate Paul Auster’s captivating universe, exploring identity, chance, and the intricacies of existence in compelling narratives.