logo

49 pages 1 hour read

Paul Auster

The New York Trilogy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster consists of three interconnected detective stories—"City of Glass," "Ghosts," and "The Locked Room"—which explore themes of identity, literature, and the nature of reality through the experiences of characters who become entangled in mysterious and often surreal circumstances. The text discusses racism, loss of a child, and domestic violence.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Paul Auster's The New York Trilogy captivates with its intricate plots and existential themes, blending detective fiction with philosophical musings. Critics praise its innovative narrative structure and unique exploration of identity. However, some find its abstract nature and ambiguous conclusions challenging. Overall, the trilogy is celebrated for its literary audacity and thought-provoking content.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The New York Trilogy?

A reader who would enjoy The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster is likely someone who appreciates postmodern literature and intricate narratives. Fans of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace or The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon will find similar enjoyment in Auster's thought-provoking and enigmatic storytelling.

Book Details
Pages

308

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1980s

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.