Groundwork: Autobiographical Writings, 1979–2012

by Paul Auster

Autobiographical Writings, 1979–2012 is an updated collection of nonfiction, including the seminal work The Invention of Solitude , from Man Booker Prize Finalist Paul Auster...

Genres: Nonfiction

656 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2020

About the author

Paul Auster was the bestselling author of 4 3 2 1, Bloodbath Nation, Baumgartner, The Book of Illusions, and The New York Trilogy, among many other works. In 2006 he was awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize for Literature. Among his other honors are the Prix Médicis Étranger for Leviathan, the Independent Spirit Award for the screenplay of Smoke, and the Premio Napoli for Sunset Park. In 2012, he was the first recipient of the NYC Literary Honors in the category of fiction. He was also a finalist for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award (The Book of Illusions), the PEN/Faulkner Award (The Music of Chance), the Edgar Award (City of Glass), and the Man Booker Prize (4 3 2 1). Auster was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. His work has been translated into more than forty languages. He died at age seventy-seven in 2024.

Reviews

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume contains a number of writings that I had read at an earlier stage, notably "Portrait of an Invisible Man" (previously published as "The Invention of Solitude"), "Winter Journal" and "Report from the Interior". I had not read the other six writings, so I was happy to come across this volume. What struck me most in his writing about the period before he actually started to be known as a novelist was his absolute candor about his motives, his drive and his faux pas in the course of his early life up to his first publication of "City of Glass" in 1984. His self reflection is without reserve and he doesn't spare himself in his writings. His style, as always, is light, lucid and so readable. His account of trying to sell a game he had invented is as hilarious as it is painful. Another element in these writings is, what Jung calls "synchronicity". Auster experienced so many unexplainable coincidences and chance events, that I wouldn't be surprised if it did not give him the idea for "The Music of Chance". Definitely a volume to read for Auster fans (and non-Auster fans).

[Daniel Grenier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invention of Solitude: 3.5/5

Hand to Mouth: 5/5 (enfin un bon essai/récit sur l’écrivain et l’argent)

Winter Journal: 3/5

Report From the Interior: 4/5

The Red Notebook, Why I Write, Accident Report, It Don’t Mean a Thing: 3.75/5

L’effet de lire tout ce matériel autobiographique réuni en un seul volume, couvrant plus de 30 ans de vie et de carrière: 5/5

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Groundwork” a very appropriate title for this collection of memoirs/true stories. As you read on you are led through a virtual map of inspiration later applied to Auster’s characters in his many novels. A great read especially for Auster fans!

[Laura Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more 'stars' to rate this book even more highly!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of the autobiographical work of Paul Auster. I love it. I wish I could write like him.