Customer Reviews

mr vertigo

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I've read several books written by Paul Auster and this is one of my favorites. It is such a well written narrative that flows so well. As a reader I felt captivated in the well painted atmosphere. The language, the tales, the details... it all comes together to illustrate some universal aspects of humanity.

The story is written as someone recalling their life, starting from age 11. As the main character evolves, the tone is more mature and the priorities change. The story encompasses drama, humor, success, decadence. The childhood and adolescence play particular importance, while the middle part of life is of such little significance that it is only mentioned in haste. As the main character is now older, it all comes together to form to an understanding of this world, of people and their relationships, of what really matters in life and what really makes a difference. The last page is just the icing on the cake.

I don't think it is possible to be disappointed by this book. Pick it up and try it; you won't regret it.

I bought this book in need of something that would not lead to heavy introspection or stressing over the state of the world. What a wonderful, accidental choice it was! Paul Aster launches into a tall tale full of unique, peculiar and sympathetic characters who attempt and achieve amazing things. Told as a 1st-person narrative, the protagonist chronicles his life, starting in the 1920s as an 11-year-old guttersnipe in St. Louis who is approached by a man in a tuxedo and top-hat who promises that if the boy accompany him and submit to his instruction, he will be taught to fly by his 13ths birthday...if not, the man swears the boy may cut off his head with an axe! Of course, nothing so horrid ever occurs...rather, the reader becomes wrapped up in the development of the characters, their evolving relationships, and the inspiring journey of the narrator. His mentor (or "Master") promotes goodness and trueness but temptation, hurt and loss lead the protagonist astray, as his life continues to be an amazing adventure.

If you enjoyed the movie "Big Fish", I predict you will love this book and will be left, as you close the back cover, with a smile of satisfaction on your face!