"The New York Trilogy" is a collection of three interconnected detective novellas written by American author Paul Auster. The novellas in this collection are "City of Glass," "Ghosts," and "The Locked Room." Each novella is a work of postmodern detective fiction that explores themes of identity, language, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fiction.
"City of Glass" - The first novella in the trilogy introduces the character of Daniel Quinn, a writer who, in a case of mistaken identity, becomes a private detective. He is hired to follow a man named Stillman and gradually becomes obsessed with the case. As the story unfolds, it blurs the lines between the detective's own identity and the identity of the person he's investigating.
"Ghosts" - In the second novella, the author, who is now a character in his own story, receives a call from a man named White seeking the detective Paul Auster's help in tracking down a mysterious figure named Fanshawe. This novella delves into the idea of authorship and the ways in which authors create and manipulate their characters.
"The Locked Room" - The final novella tells the story of a writer named Blue who is asked to complete a project left behind by his childhood friend, Fanshawe. This novella explores themes of obsession, loss, and the intricate relationship between the two friends.
Throughout "The New York Trilogy," Auster plays with the conventions of detective fiction, weaving complex and often existential narratives that challenge the reader's perceptions of reality, identity, and the role of the author in shaping the lives of characters. The trilogy is known for its intricate and thought-provoking storytelling and has been celebrated for its innovative approach to the detective genre.
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