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"4 3 2 1" is a novel by Paul Auster that was published in 2017. It is Auster's first novel in seven years, and it is also his longest work to date, with a total of over 880 pages.

The novel tells the story of Archie Ferguson, a man who is born in Newark, New Jersey in 1947. The book is structured around four parallel narratives that follow Archie's life, each of which takes place in a different alternate reality. In each of these realities, Archie is born to different parents and grows up in a different environment, but all four versions of Archie ultimately find their way to New York City, where they each experience a series of adventures and challenges that shape their lives.

The first version of Archie is born to Rose and Stanley Ferguson, who are both struggling artists. He grows up in a bohemian household and becomes a writer, eventually meeting and falling in love with a woman named Amelia. The second version of Archie is born to a wealthy family and grows up to be a successful lawyer, but he is unhappy and eventually leaves his career to become a journalist. The third version of Archie is born to a single mother and grows up in poverty, eventually finding success as a musician. The fourth version of Archie is born to a middle-class family and becomes a teacher, but he is fired from his job and ends up working as a private detective.

Throughout the novel, Auster explores themes of identity, fate, and the many paths that a person's life can take. He also touches on issues of race, politics, and the role that historical events play in shaping individual lives.

Overall, "4 3 2 1" is a thought-provoking and ambitious novel that explores the many ways in which a person's life can unfold. It is a long and complex book that requires a significant time commitment from readers, but those who are willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding reading experience.