Paul Auster in Conversation 4,3,2,1 with Reading by Michael Stuhlbarg - Phenomenal Author Event!

The epic novel by Paul Auster "4,3,2,1" was shortlisted for the Man Booker Award ('17).  The novel can be described as exceptional, inventive, thought provoking but not short.  The gargantuan book was the butt of jokes for being so heavy.  Auster was grateful for the paperback release which will mitigate injurious accidents from the hardcover version dropped on one's toes.  Auster (b Amer 1947) was illuminating, humorous, self-deprecating and a phenomenal guest as part of the Thalia Book Club at Symphony Space.  The evening began with a reading by actor Michael Stuhlbarg ("Call Me by Your Name," "The Shape of Water" & "The Post").  Stuhlbarg's reading was a master class in acting scripted by Auster's extraordinary writing.   Stuhlbarg read from 1 of the 4 incarnations of Archie Ferguson, the main character presented in 4 varying life trajectories.  All 4 Archies have identical DNA & possess similar pensive approaches to people, problems & methods to process personal & significant social/political events.  Auster's brilliance radiates throughout his luminescent novel that views life through a distorted lens of opposing impulses; the inherent nature to control and  take risks.  Todd Gitlin ("The Sixties: Years of Hope") moderated the discussion. Auster masterfully   steered the discussion with candor, humility and insight into being a writer with esteem for the work of many great writers.  His novel enumerates  repeatedly on those he most admired: Tolstoy, Kafka and Beckett were a few.  Auster said he had committed to writing a novel with 4 versions of the same adolescent coming of age during the turbulent 60's.  Gitlin asked (what an ass) "Did you achieve success with your novel?"  Auster answered by saying, "It's not for me to say.  I was drawing from 1 phrase to another, 96% improvised with no plan, not knowing where the story was going or how to end it until I was two 3rds the way through.  This was an exhaustive process; raking, revising."  He compared his process to a "sprinting elephant."  Auster noted his novel was all narrative with little dialogue.  He was surprised with his own storytelling & unable to explain it.  Auster spoke a little about his personal life; a time when his first marriage was crumbling, he wasn't making money & was  depressed.  At the time he was writing & translating poetry, & submitting articles.  He never intended to write prose but after watching a "sublime" dance performance the choreographer struggled to find words to equate the beauty of the dancing.  He felt inspired to find words that were adequately descriptive and his writing began to flourish.  He met Beckett, one of his literary heroes.  Beckett criticized his own work but Auster told how much he admired it.  Beckett asked "You really liked it?"  "Writers are the last to judge". PA