Man in the Dark

I can't even begin to take stock of my feelings after reading this novel, or explain why I gave it four stars. I would give it a fifth if I thought it was perfect, but I would like to read more of this author's work before I fall completely in love with him.

Maybe it's the numerous story lines that intersect and meet so lovingly, but they are spun so delicate, the narrator treads gently and softly through them.

Maybe it's the superbly human characters the author makes, who have mundane lives and are subject to all their human foibles and can still love so deeply and so honestly.

Maybe it's the fact that I sniffled my way through the last few pages. The story was intense, gripping, much like the movie the narrator wanted to make at the end.

Or (now I'm being silly) maybe it's the fact that every single one of the places mentioned in that book - New England/New Haven, Worcester, Vermont - is connected with the one person that I miss the most at this point and I'm just being hormonal. ;)

Either way it was a wonderful read and I can't wait to read more of this author's work. reminded me of Camus, an author I love for many of the afore-mentioned qualities. I only hope that Auster's subsequent fiction is as delightfully delicate, yet captivating... muted in overt emotion, yet moving.