Baumgartner - Paul Auster
Publication Date: Nov. 7, 2023
She read
Sy Baumgartner, 71, is about to retire from Princeton University. A phenomenologist and author, he most of all was husband to the love of his life, Anna, who died unexpectedly 10 years ago. As he looks back on his life we learn of his parents and early history, his coming of age and career development, and the ravages of loss and aging.
Do not expect a lot of action or intricate plot, but rather revel in the memories of a learned man as he comes to terms with the losses he has experienced in life, including the invincibility of youth. In this, the autumn of his life, he finds something to pull him out of reminisces of the past; something in which he looks forward to investing his time and energy.
I thought the explanation of the book he is writing, “Mysteries of the Wheel”, which will probably be his final piece, to be brilliant as an allegory of life in which “ (it is) a free-for-all of careening, out-of-control cars speeding down highways of loneliness and potential death.” Auster’s poignant portrayal of the physical and mental changes experienced in aging are painfully astute. And, oh, that ending!
This is not a book for everyone. It is a contemplative, character driven fictional memoir.
Thanks to #netgalley and #groveatlantic #Atlanticmonthlypress for the ARC
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