Status Updates From Mr. Vertigo

Finished Part III. Some cool ideas here that unfortunately feel rather undercooked. The turning point of Walt's arc feels underdeveloped. Still interesting stuff, but lacking either the uniqueness of Part I or the depth of Part II.

Finished Part II. Lots to unpack, though it's difficult to assess without knowing how it's followed up. Auster has taken the mythological setup of Part I and totally flipped it on its head. Less now an Americana folk myth, the novel has become a tale of how myths clash with reality, and how reality often wins.

Making good headway in Part II. Conflicted feelings. This is clearly the awkward adolescent phase of Walt's life, and Auster is a little too on the nose about that. Walt's sexual awakening is so juvenile and artless that it's almost endearing, but not quite.

Finished Part I. I confess I'm more immediately engaged than I thought I'd be. This is pretty new territory for Auster, a sort of Americana folk myth. Very excited to read more.