What's happened
Acclaimed American author Paul Auster, known for works like The New York Trilogy, dies at 77 from lung cancer. Auster's career spanned over 50 years, producing over 30 books translated into multiple languages. He was a prominent figure in the New York literary scene, admired for his cosmopolitan worldview and postmodern writing style.
Why it matters
Paul Auster's death marks the end of a prolific literary career that spanned over five decades. His unique storytelling style and exploration of themes like identity and existentialism have left a lasting impact on the literary world. Auster's works will continue to be studied and celebrated for their depth and complexity, influencing future generations of writers and readers.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights Auster's postmodern reimagining of the noir novel and his enduring legacy as one of New York's signature writers. The Guardian pays tribute to Auster's gift for blending European metafictions with the gritty streets of New York, creating a unique narrative style that captivated readers worldwide. The Independent praises Auster's ability to straddle the line between the middlebrow and highbrow, appealing to a diverse audience with his introspective and thought-provoking storytelling.
How we got here
Paul Auster was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1947 and began his literary career in the 1970s. Despite initial struggles to find commercial success in the U.S., Auster gained international acclaim for his genre-defying works that blended history, politics, and existential quests. His novels, such as The New York Trilogy, City of Glass, and 4 3 2 1, showcased his talent for crafting intricate narratives that challenged traditional storytelling conventions.
Common question
More on these topics
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The New York Trilogy is a series of novels by American writer Paul Auster. Originally published sequentially as City of Glass, Ghosts and The Locked Room, it has since been collected into a single volume.