The Book of Illusions : A Novel
Author(s): Paul Auster
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW NOTABLE BOOK
Six months after losing his wife and two young sons, Vermont Professor David Zimmer spends his waking hours mired in a blur of alcoholic grief and self-pity. One night, he stumbles upon a clip from a lost film by silent comedian Hector Mann. His interest is piqued, and he soon finds himself embarking on a journey around the world to research a book on this mysterious figure, who vanished from sight in 1929.
When the book is published the following year, a letter turns up in Zimmer's mailbox bearing a return address from a small town in New Mexico inviting him to meet Hector. Zimmer hesitates, until one night a strange woman appears on his doorstep and makes the decision for him, changing his life forever.
Review(s):
“A nearly flawless work . . . Auster will be remembered as one of the great writers of our time.” —San Francisco Chronicle
“Mr. Auster's elegant, finely calibrated Book of Illusions is a haunting feat of intellectual gamesmanship.” —The New York Times
“This noirish, layered tale will keep you guessing to the very end.” —Time Out New York
Nominated International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award - Nominee (2004), Winner ALA Notable Books - Winner (2003)
ISBN: 9780312429010