Paul Auster, the renowned author renowned for his seminal books “The New York Trilogy” and “Moon Palace,” has passed away at the age of 77. The prolific writer, whose career spanned over three decades with 34 published books, died due to complications from lung cancer on Tuesday.

Auster’s death was confirmed by his friend and fellow author, Jacki Lyden, who remembered him as a visionary storyteller whose literary contributions have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American literature.

His works, celebrated for their complex explorations of identity and existential themes, have garnered a wide readership and critical acclaim throughout the years.

The Booker Prizes paid tribute to Auster, who had been nominated for the prize in 2017 for his book “4 3 2 1“, saying that he had “influenced writers all over the world”. While European Investment Bank Group president Nadia Calviño said “‘4321’ is one of my favourite #books, a perfect example of his unique talent to connect with his readers and explore the meaning of life.”

Who was Paul Auster?

Paul Auster is an American author and director known for his distinctive contributions to literature, particularly postmodern novels that blend elements of existentialism, crime fiction, and the search for identity and personal meaning. Born on February 3, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey to Jewish Polish immigrants, Auster gained recognition for his compelling prose and complex, layered stories.

After graduating, he spent four years in France, where he honed his craft as a writer. He is best known for his "New York Trilogy" (1985-1986), a series of novels that are not traditionally structured detective stories but instead explore questions of identity and human experience. His other notable works include "Moon Palace" (1989), "The Music of Chance" (1990), and "The Book of Illusions" (2002).

In addition to his novels, Auster has written poetry, essays, and screenplays. He has also directed several films. His work often explores themes like coincidence, fate, and the interconnectedness of people and events. 

In recent years, Auster's own life was struck by tragedy, with his 10-month-old granddaughter Ruby dying after ingesting heroin and his son Daniel, the child's father, dying of an overdose 10 months later.

Prior to his death, Daniel had been found guilty of negligent homicide. Auster never publicly discussed their deaths.

In March 2023, Auster's wife, author Siri Hustvedt, announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. He and Hustvedt also had a daughter, singer Sophie Auster.

Best work and books by Paul Auster

• “The New York Trilogy“: This series of novels is perhaps Auster’s most celebrated work. It consists of three parts: “City of Glass,” “Ghosts,” and “The Locked Room.” These novels blend elements of conventional detective fiction with existential queries, playing with ideas of identity, space, and narrative. They’re often seen as a cornerstone of postmodern literature.
• “Moon Palace“: Another widely praised novel, “Moon Palace” follows the life of Marco Stanley Fogg, an orphan and a wanderer, whose personal history is entwined with the broader history of America in the latter half of the 20th century. The novel is known for its lyrical style and deep exploration of personal and historical identity. It is a great starting point for readers new to Auster.

Read: Bloodbath Nation by Paul Auster: book reminds us that gun violence is personal – review

• “The Book of Illusions“: This novel tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with a silent film star after his own personal tragedy. The book explores the themes of loss, mourning, and the illusionary aspects of cinema and life.
• “Timbuktu“: In this novel, Auster explores the relationship between a homeless writer and his loyal dog, Mr. Bones. It’s a touching examination of friendship, loyalty, and the human condition, written from an unusual perspective.
• “The Music of Chance“: This novel involves themes of randomness and chaos. It’s about a man who unexpectedly wins a large sum of money and meets another gambler, leading to a series of unpredictable events.
• “Bloodbath Nation“: This harrowing nonfiction book into America’s firearm culture, exploring its historical roots, psychological impacts, and tragic consequences through poignant stories and rigorous analysis. “Bloodbath Nation” and “Baumgartner” were his final books.
• “4 3 2 1“: This is a sprawling tale exploring four parallel lives of a single character, Archie Ferguson, each diverging due to different circumstances, reflecting on identity, fate, and chance.

Auster is survived by his family, friends, and many fans whose lives were touched by his expansive view of the human condition and the power of storytelling.

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