Paul Auster, the acclaimed American author celebrated for his enigmatic New York Trilogy, has died at the age of 77, per bbc.com. Auster, whose existentialist narratives captivated readers worldwide, passed away on Tuesday at his Brooklyn home due to complications from lung cancer, as confirmed by his close friend and fellow author, Jacki Lyden.
Throughout his illustrious career, Auster penned over 30 literary works, gaining cult status particularly during the 1980s and 90s. His novels, revered for their philosophical depth, often explored themes of identity and existentialism, resonating deeply with readers, especially in Europe.
Born to Jewish Polish immigrants, Auster spent his formative years in Newark, New Jersey, before relocating to New York City to pursue his education at Columbia University. After graduation, he spent four transformative years in France, where he honed his craft as a writer.
Auster looks on in Lyon on January 16, 2018/Jeff Pachoud-AFPAuster’s breakthrough came with the publication of The New York Trilogy, a series that infused the detective genre with philosophical inquiry. His subsequent works, including Timbuktu and Moon Palace, solidified his reputation as a master storyteller.
In addition to his literary achievements, Auster ventured into filmmaking, co-writing and co-directing the critically acclaimed Smoke and its sequel, Blue in the Face.
Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his granddaughter to heroin ingestion and his son to a subsequent overdose, Auster remained a prolific writer. His last work, Bloodbath Nation, co-authored with his son-in-law Spencer Ostrander, tackled the harrowing reality of gun violence in America.
He leaves behind a literary legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
