THE PAUL AUSTER DECALOGY

Paul Auster 101: What Should You Read First?

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Paul Auster is an iconic figure in contemporary American literature and he’s celebrated for his masterful storytelling and innovative narrative techniques. His complete works include over 30 books and his career spans several decades. Auster has carved out a niche with his distinctive style, marked by existential themes, intricate plots, and a deep exploration of human identity and fate. Reality and fiction are divided by a blurred line, but the world he creates is definitely one worth immersing in.

In this article, we’ll honor his work by reviewing ten of his books like Leviathan, The Music of Chance, and, of course, the classics like The New York Trilogy. Enjoy the reading!

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This series comprises "City of Glass," "Ghosts," and "The Locked Room," and it is Auster’s breakthrough work. It’s a set of interconnected novels that blur the lines between detective fiction, existential philosophy, and metafiction.

Auster’s trilogy is a labyrinthine exploration of identity and reality. Each novel stands on its own yet interlinks with the others, creating a complex web that challenges readers to question the nature of narrative and existence. The main character’s descent into the heart of the city mirrors a journey into the self, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy cerebral and introspective fiction.

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Moon Palace is a heartrending coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of 1960s and 1970s America. The novel follows Marco Stanley Fogg, an orphan navigating the complexities of identity and destiny. Auster intertwines Fogg’s personal journey with the broader American experience, creating a rich tapestry of historical and emotional depth.

The narrative is marked by Auster’s signature themes of coincidence and the search for meaning. Through Fogg’s encounters with a cast of eccentric characters, the story explores the intersections of fate and free will.

Moon Palace is considered a great work due to its lyrical prose and profound meditations on human connection and resilience.

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In The Music of Chance, Auster presents a compelling tale of luck, freedom, and the boundaries of human decency. The story follows Jim Nashe, a firefighter who embarks on a road trip after inheriting a large sum of money. His chance encounter with a gambler named Jack Pozzi leads to a high-stakes poker game that changes their lives.

The novel’s minimalist style and philosophical undertones highlight Auster’s exploration of existential themes. As Nashe and Pozzi find themselves imprisoned in an absurd task**, the narrative probes the absurdity of life and the illusion of control.** The Music of Chance is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of fate and freedom.

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Leviathan is a riveting exploration of friendship, identity, and the elusive nature of truth. The novel centers on Peter Aaron, a writer who reconstructs the life of his friend Benjamin Sachs after his mysterious death. Through a series of flashbacks, Auster delves into Sach’s transformation from a celebrated author to a radical activist.

The narrative weaves both personal and political themes, reflecting on America’s social landscape. Auster’s deft storytelling and intricate character development create a suspenseful and introspective read. Leviathan stands out for its refined portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.

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Mr. Vertigo is a whimsical and darkly humorous tale of transformation and redemption. The novel follows Walter Claireborne Rawley, a young orphan who becomes a sensational levitator under the tutelage of the enigmatic Master Yehudi.

It is a story set in the 20th century, and it blends magical realism with a vivid depiction of American history. Auster’s narrative is rich with eccentric characters and disturbing moments. It explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the quest for identity. Mr. Vertigo is a testament to Auster’s imaginative storytelling and his ability to craft deeply affecting narratives that resonate with readers long after the final page.

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In this novel, Auster tells a heartwarming yet tragic story, that of Mr. Bones, a loyal dog on a quest to find his deceased master’s final resting peace. Narrated from the dog’s perspective, the novel offers a unique exploration of loyalty, love, and the human condition.

Mr. Bones’ journey through a harsh and indifferent world is both touching and absorbing.

Paul Auster paints an empathetic portrayal of the main character, the dog, who provides a fresh lens on themes of mortality and companionship. Timbuktu is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel. This novel is a true testimony of the author’s versatility.

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The Brooklyn Follies is a warm and witty exploration of redemption and human connection. The novel follows Nathan Glass, a retired insurance salesman who moves to Brooklyn seeking a quiet end to his life. Instead, he finds himself drawn into the lives of his estranged family and an eclectic group of Brooklynites.

This novel is particularly filled with humor and heart, it captures the vibrancy and diversity of the borough. The novel’s mixed stories reflect on the complexities of modern life and the enduring power of hope and second chances. The Brooklyn Follies is a celebration of the small joys and unexpected connections that define our lives.

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Travels in the Scriptorium is a metafictional puzzle that, once again, blurs the line between reality and fiction. This novel is centered on Mr. Blank, an amnesiac confined to a room, piecing together his identity and purpose from cryptic notes and photographs.

Auster’s minimalist style and fragmented narrative create a sense of disorientation and intrigue. The novel explores themes of memory, authorship, and the act of creation, inviting readers to question the nature of existence. Travels in the Scriptorium is a provoking and enigmatic work that showcases Auster’s skill in blending philosophical inquiry with narrative experimentation.

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We’re close to an end and Invisible needs to be part of the list. Why? Because it is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the puzzling truth. The novel follows Adam Walker, a young aspiring poet who encounters, by chance, a mysterious Frenchman. This encounter sets off a chain of events that will alter both their lives. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, revealing the complexities of memory and identity.

Auster’s deft narrative structure and rich character development create a haunting and immersive reading experience. Invisible is praised for its intricate plotting and profound exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Master of suspense, this novel portrays a deep understanding of the human psyche.

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4 3 2 1 is an ambitious and sprawling epic that explores the divergent paths a single life can take. The novel revolves around Archibald Isaac Ferguson, whose life splits into four distinctive narratives, hence the title. Each of these is shaped by different choices and circumstances.

The author deploys meticulous storytelling and rich prose full of details that bring each version to life.

The novel reflects on themes of fate, identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. 4 3 2 1 is celebrated for its inventive structure, which might seem difficult to follow, but it is definitely worth doing to get a profound insight into the human condition.

SPICE UP YOUR LANGUAGE, AMICI!

Beyond pizza: 10 Italian words every American knows and uses

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Whoever has been to Italy knows that Italians have a rich cultural history. Their beautiful language includes terms that perfectly encapsulate the meaning of things other languages need more than one word to define. Since food and classical music are two very successful Italian exports, it should come as no surprise that many words we use in English-speaking countries relating to these areas can be traced back to their Italian origins. However, there are many other instances where this bella lingua has made its way into our daily conversations. Are you familiar with the following ten?

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Some of the words on this list are more obviously Italian than others, and "bravo" is definitely one of them. We use this word in the same way as you use it in Italian, as a congratulatory exclamation that accompanies the name of the subject.

The main difference between the way it is used in Italian and English is that in Italian, a woman is described as brava, while a man is bravo. In English, however, we say "bravo" for both men and women.

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It should come as no surprise that many words in this list come from the realm of classical music. The word "maestro" is an exact translation of the word "master" and is used to describe an expert in an artistic field. It is also sometimes used to describe a sports star.

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Keeping on with the trend of classical music terms, we encounter "prima donna." In the English language, this term is used as a single word and it describes the same character as in Italian: the lead female singer in an opera.

However, the most common use of the word in English is to describe people who take themselves too seriously and expect others to treat them in the same way.

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A term that sounds as Italian as it should, "al Forno" means "in the oven." It is used to describe dishes that are cooked in an oven, like pizza, prosciutto, pasta, and more. The term is commonly seen in Italian restaurants, written on menus, and elsewhere.

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While in English, the word "tempo" is used to describe the different time signatures used in music, the term in its original Italian means "time" and is used in that broad sense.

The tempo of music refers to the speed and measures the beats per minute of a certain piece.

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A fancy word, indeed, "circa" is used in English in the same way as in Italian, to mean "approximately." The term is used when one needs to mark a specific year or period and is more commonly seen in written text than in spoken language.

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Another Italian term that has become a household word, thanks to its ubiquitous use in menus and restaurant names, is "panini." As we all know by now, in English-speaking countries, a panini is a toasted sandwich.

But, if we ask for a "panini" in Italy, we will receive two, or more, sandwiches, since panini is the plural and "panino" is the singular.

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A similar word to the previously mentioned "prima donna," a "diva" describes a woman of great talent in the opera. But it is more commonly used to refer to a woman who is temperamental or difficult to please. The word is very much associated with the world of show business but it can also be used in other contexts.

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As it happens with "panini," the word "paparazzi" is the plural form in its original Italian version. But, unlike a panini which is usually required as a single item, even if the word is in its plural form, paparazzi photographers are rarely alone, making the use of the plural form, appropriate. A single photographer would be called a "paparazzo."

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We finish the list with a word used mostly in academic circles but heard in many other areas, especially since the explosion of social media in recent decades. A "dilettante" is an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to know the matter at hand.

We all have encountered such individuals. They are everywhere, offering their "expert" advice on things as varied as economics, life lessons, skincare, cooking tips, and everything you can think of. Thanks to Italians, we have a word for them.