Paul Auster's 5 must-reads

Explore the essential works of the late writer Paul Auster, whose masterpieces shaped contemporary literature. Discover the novels that defined his legacy and captivated readers worldwide.

The world of contemporary literature lost one of its greatest voices with the passing of writer Paul Auster. A renowned international author, Auster breathed his last on Tuesday, April 30th, in Brooklyn at the age of 77. He departed surrounded by his family, including his wife, the esteemed writer and essayist Siri Hustvedt, and their daughter, the singer Sophie Auster. Among his vast body of work spanning essays, poetry, and short stories, "The Invention of Solitude" and "4 3 2 1" stand as some of his masterpieces.

Paul Auster's contribution to the literary world has been lauded since the early 1980s. Known for his ability to craft intricate narratives and memorable characters, he leaves behind a literary legacy that endures. His works, which delve into themes such as identity, solitude, and parenthood, have left an indelible mark on readers in Argentina and around the globe.

Paul Auster's Five Key Books

Auster garnered numerous international awards for his books, including titles like "The New York Trilogy," "The Book of Illusions," and "Moon Palace," just to name a few that catapulted him to universal recognition.
So, what are the quintessential books from his literary oeuvre? While the choice may vary depending on personal taste, there is a certain consensus on the following titles:

The New York Trilogy (1985)
Three detective novels penned between 1985 and 1987: "City of Glass," "Ghosts," and "The Locked Room." This trilogy propelled the author to international acclaim and laid the groundwork for his subsequent works.

Moon Palace (1989)
Set primarily in New York, it follows the story of a young orphan who comes of age as man lands on the moon. The protagonist's character draws inspiration from Marco Polo, the journalist Henry Morton Stanley's, as well as Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days."

The Book of Illusions (2002)
The protagonist, David Zimmer, a university professor, loses his wife and children in an accident and begins writing a book about silent film actor Hector Mann. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a mysterious letter. It serves as a profound homage to the world of cinema, to which Auster is deeply connected.

Oracle Night (2004)
Revolves around two New York novelists whose writing becomes a profound exploration of their personal relationships. Daniel Auster's past haunts this fiction.

4 3 2 1 (2017)
Regarded as the crowning achievement of his career, Auster paints a portrait of an entire generation through events that shaped the latter half of the 20th century in the United States.

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