Acclaimed Novelist Paul Auster Dies at 77 After Battle with Lung Cancer

Paul Auster, the acclaimed American novelist known for his postmodernist fiction, including the celebrated 'New York Trilogy,' passed away on Tuesday evening at his Brooklyn home at the age of 77. Auster had been battling lung cancer, which was diagnosed in 2022.

Auster was a prolific author, publishing over 30 books in his lifetime, including novels, poetry, and memoirs. His breakthrough came with the publication of 'City of Glass,' the first novel in his 'New York Trilogy,' in 1985. The trilogy, which also includes 'Ghosts' and 'The Locked Room,' combined elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with existential and metafictional themes, solidifying Auster's reputation as a prominent figure in postmodern literature.

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1947, Auster's writing career began at the age of 8 after a chance encounter with his baseball hero. He studied at Columbia University and later moved to Paris, where he met his first wife, writer and translator Lydia Davis. Auster returned to New York in 1974 and found success with his memoir 'The Invention of Solitude' in 1982 before the publication of 'The New York Trilogy' catapulted him to literary stardom.

Auster's novels often explored themes of identity, language, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. His unique narrative voice and experimental style earned him a dedicated following, particularly in Europe where he was better known than in his native United States. In 2017, Auster was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his novel '4 3 2 1.'

Why this matters: Paul Auster's passing marks the loss of one of America's most influential and innovative literary voices. His groundbreaking work in postmodernist fiction has left an enduring impact on the literary landscape and will continue to inspire generations of writers to come.

Auster is survived by his second wife, novelist Siri Hustvedt, their daughter Sophie, his sister Janet, and a grandson. "Paul was a brilliant writer, a generous friend, and a singular voice in American letters," said Auster's friend and fellow author Jacki Lyden, who confirmed his death. The literary community mourns the loss of a true master whose unique vision and storytelling prowess have forever enriched the world of literature.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Auster, acclaimed American novelist, passed away at 77 due to lung cancer.
• Auster's 'New York Trilogy' established him as a prominent postmodern literary figure.
• Auster's writing career began at 8, and he found success with 'The Invention of Solitude'.
• Auster's novels explored themes of identity, language, and the blurred lines of reality.
• Auster's passing marks the loss of a highly influential and innovative literary voice.