A collection of essays by and interviews with this most creative of all contemporary American writers. Fantastic insight into the creation of Auster'sA collection of essays by and interviews with this most creative of all contemporary American writers. Fantastic insight into the creation of Auster's early work. In truth, one for aficionados only....more
A game of two halves: first half excellent; second half poor.
The first part, Portrait of an Invisible Man, is written shortly after the death of his fA game of two halves: first half excellent; second half poor.
The first part, Portrait of an Invisible Man, is written shortly after the death of his father and is the author’s account of his recollections of the man and his rather distant relationship with him. Sometimes sad but also amusing in parts, I found this part of the book interesting, enlightening and (as always with Auster) superbly written.
The second part, The Book of Memory, is supposed to be a reflection of the author as a father to his son Daniel. This I found hard work. In fact it degenerates quickly into what feels like a random series of anecdotes and quotes from other writers. I must admit that I gave up trying to plough my way through these ramblings....more