The Invention of Solitude

First of all some words so you know something about me. My mother language is Spanish.I am reading "The invention of solitude" in English, on my kindle. Very useful to have in a touch the access to a very complete dictionary, so I can go through unusual meanings and uses of a word or expression when I find it in the text.I have read many books from Auster, but none was like this, an essay.The author shares his experience since the news of his father's death, and his reflections through the process of taking care of his belongings. Deep thoughts about life and death, and the way each one's childhood experience shapes the personality.Haven't finished the book yet, but the first part is deeply moving. Love the author, feels like you are listening to a friend in an intimate talk.Will write again when I finish. I apologize for any mistake in English, hope my vision is useful for you.

Book arrived in good shape, except for the underling and a few marginal notes, which was not mentioned in the book's description. It also arrived on time.

This book's first half is gorgeously vulnerable. Auster creates his father as a fascinating character, and the reader learns about him through Auster the adult writer/man finding his father through the objects he's left behind and also through Auster's memories as a boy. What's so strange, then, is the second half of the book, which becomes overly artificed. Auster writers about himself in the third person, calling himself "A.", and what follows is a distanced meditation on what memory might be. All of the vulnerability of the first half gives way to a nearly solipsistic second half. It's like Auster has decided to turn himself into his father and let the reader view him, but the reader is no longer allowed to sympathize with him. Truly, this second half seems a total intellectual invention of, alas, solitude, as the reader is held perpetually at arm's length. Buy a used copy and read the first half.

I was recently in Paris for a few weeks and someonehad mentioned seeing an interview with Auster that hadimpressed and moved them. So I downloaded, "The Invention...",read it as I wandered through Paris. I was transported byhis writing, enveloped by his ideas. My walks were enrichedand transformed by the simple act of seeing the city multi-dimensionally--it gave a dreamlike, yet sobering quality to the days.I saw more and felt more while reading this book.He makes it appear easylike all great artists do; a simplicity and directnesswrapped in intricate prose. I will continue to readeverything he writes. I don't know how he could possiblytop "the Invention...but I'll follow this literary trail wherever it takes me.

Probably one of my favorite books now. Weaves in ideas from different religions, stories, books, movies, sports, philosophy, psychology, and life experiences.

A masterful rendition of the telling of his father's life - a man the author barely knew. An excellent writer.

A very well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The theme of introspection is strongly developed and caused me to think more closely about my life and the choices I have made, many of which I regret.

I learned a lot from this book but it left me sort of sad. I have the feeling that the father was ashamed of his mother's crime and therefore did not want to make a lasting impression on people and did not inspire love..

Como todo lo que escribe Paul Auster, este es un libro entrañabe . Los recuerdos de su padre están impregnados de nostalgia y cariño

It's a while now since I read this and my memory is not great but I remember how much I loved it. A LOT. Definitely one of those books you can re-read too. Profound.

This was the first non-fiction book by Paul Auster that I've read (and also his debut work) and I definitely didn't like it.This book is comprised of two essays, made up of disjointed paragraphs. Whilst I found the first part, about Auster's father, merely boring, I found the second part, which explores the mechanics of memory, the solitude of writing, and the concepts of coincidence and chance (among others), mostly unintelligible and nonsensical.The writing is stilted and often affected, not at all what I've been used to with this author.I would not advise to start with this book; Auster's more recent, fictional works are much better. I have read quite a few of his books by now and I would say he's definitely capable of the worst and the best!

A trama é interessante e estilo claro e envolvente. Uma obra que focaliza os aspectos comportamentais e emocionais.Destaca-se também o estilo da escrita literária.

Deeply moving, magnetically engaging, and stimulating of so much in our own lives, experiences and consciousness. I could not put it down, and it will echo for a long time. Brilliant.