Baumgartner by Paul Auster (novel)
Paul Auster died earlier this year, so this summer I'm honoring him by reading a couple of his books. I've always enjoyed his writing style and character studies, and this one in particular moved me.
The book is full of love and compassion. Its main character Baumgartner, a recently retired professor, is grieving the sudden loss of his wife. On the importance of interconnectedness, he poignantly says, "A person has no life without being connected to others, and if you're lucky enough to be deeply connection to another person, so connected that the other person is as important to you as you are to yourself, then life becomes more possible."
He identifies the small but touching moments in life that resonate with those who study the human condition. He asks why we remember certain moments and forget others—a good question to ponder.
Auster's writing style is captivating and to the point. For those of us trying to live in the moment, Auster helps us do just that. For me, the writing is similar to the stream-of-consciousness style of Virginia Wolf or Honore de Balzac in its simplicity, depth, and wisdom.
I read this book in one sitting. Highly recommended by anyone interested in powerful prose.
|