June 3, 2007

  • My site seems to be turning into one book review after another but that's only because I managed to read a bunch of books while sunning myself in Egypt. I should only be so lucky to read a book every two days in normal existence!

    The New York Trilogy consists of 3 short stories all based in the city with the city itself as an important character in the first story, City of Glass.  All 3 stories are about someone seeking out someone else. And these searches become so all consuming for the investigator that he finds his own life up to scrutiny as well.  If I were to describe this trilogy in one word it would be engrossing. I was completely engrossed in all 3 stories while reading about another person being completely engrossed in the search being carried out. And so reenforcing Auster's theme brilliantly.

    Another interlocking theme is identity and how it is easily changed and confused by us all.  For example, in City of Glass, Paul Auster is a detective (yes, the author uses his own name which is another play on identity) but a writer Quinn assumes Paul's identity and becomes the detective.  Everyone is convinced that Quinn is a detective and he convinces himself as well.

    I've come to conclusion that these 3 stories are standalone with only some overlap.  They've been put into one collection due to some reoccurring themes and overlaps.  After the first read-through, I went back and skimmed a few sections trying to look for some concrete clues to link them all but I don't think that they do really connect.  Auster has left a lot of mystery surrounding the stories which is a reflection of his view on life and not to expect all mysteries to have satisfying endings. 

    A definite thought provoking read and I'm going to check out some of his other works next.