Renowned Novelist Paul Auster Passes Away at 77

Renowned American author Paul Auster has passed away at 77 due to complications from lung cancer. Auster, recognized for his complex narratives and exploration of existential themes, achieved widespread acclaim with his "New York Trilogy" and was also a celebrated screenwriter, contributing to the 1995 film "Smoke." His literary career spanned several decades, with his works being translated into more than 40 languages and receiving international recognition.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Auster was a central figure in the postmodern literature movement, often incorporating elements of mystery and the metafictional into his writing. His protagonists frequently grappled with questions of identity and reality, often blurring the line between fiction and their own lives. Auster's most recent work of fiction, "Baumgartner," was published in English the year before his death.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Auster was also known for his work in academia, teaching at institutions such as Columbia University and Princeton University. His non-fiction works include a biography of the 19th-century American writer Stephen Crane. Despite personal tragedies in his later years, including the losses within his family, Auster's contributions to literature remained significant, leaving a lasting impact on both readers and fellow writers. He is survived by his wife, fellow author Siri Hustvedt.