Paul Auster - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Paul Auster is an American author, best known for his postmodern, metafictional novels that often blur the line between reality and fiction.
- 2. Auster was born on February 3, 1947 in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and later attended Columbia University in New York City.
- 3. Auster's writing often explores themes of identity, coincidence, and the nature of storytelling. His novels are known for their intricate plots, unreliable narrators, and philosophical musings.
- 4. Some of Auster's most well-known works include "The New York Trilogy" (comprised of "City of Glass," "Ghosts," and "The Locked Room"), "Moon Palace," "The Music of Chance," and "The Brooklyn Follies."
- 5. Auster is also a prolific poet, essayist, and translator. He has translated works by French authors such as Stéphane Mallarmé and Joseph Joubert.
- 6. Auster's novel "The New York Trilogy" is often cited as a seminal work of postmodern literature. It has been praised for its innovative narrative structure and exploration of the detective genre.
- 7. Auster has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Prix Médicis Étranger for "Leviathan," the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for "Moon Palace," and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature.
- 8. In addition to his literary accomplishments, Auster is also known for his work as a screenwriter and director. He wrote the screenplay for the film "Smoke" and its sequel "Blue in the Face," both of which were directed by Wayne Wang.
- 9. Auster is married to author Siri Hustvedt, with whom he has collaborated on several projects. The couple lives in Brooklyn, New York with their daughter, singer-songwriter Sophie Auster.
- 10. Auster's writing has been praised for its intellectual depth, lyrical prose, and innovative storytelling techniques. He continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary American literature.