Diaries Magazine

'City of Glass' by Paul Auster | Review

Posted on the 21 October 2015 by Gracem16 @TSITR_Gracie
Hey guys,
So I'm finally starting on writing up my thoughts on books I read whilst I was in Spain. Over the next few weeks I will be discussing these books!
However, firstly I want to talk about 'City of Glass’ by Paul Auster. Just to clarify I read the graphic novel adaptation, this was created by Paul Karasik and David Mazzucchelli (yes, I did have to copy and paste their names!) This was in a bid to read more graphic novels, and I will update you on this closer to Christmas! I would also love to read the original novel written in 1987; the graphic novels is based on this text, naturally. Just to clarify further, 'City of Glass' later became, 'The New York Trilogy' for those who may have heard of either of these texts. So, I will be reviewing the graphic novel adaptation, just to be 110% sure.
From my understanding, the main plot of the novel, follows roughly the same as the graphic novel. It follows Daniel Quinn, who receives a mysterious call from Paul Auster whom is a private detective (the author of the text is also called Paul Auster, your own assumptions are drawn from this). This is where the story really begins to open up, and from the first panel of the graphic novel, you truly grasp Auster's style. His style is truly unique, and when this text is condescend down to the graphic novels, the story is still conveyed. As I've mentioned I haven't read the original text so I can't compare the two, but you do gain a grasp on the story. The graphic novel turns into the detective genre as Quinn takes on Auster's case, assisting Peter Stillman, and his wife. Peter Stillman's wife discusses the problems with him, his violent father is to be released from prison. Quinn is required to go to the train station at a certain time, as to watch Stillman's father's actions. What follows next is what makes the graphic novel truly stand out.  
I don't want to spoil it because it is such a fantastic read! I'm sure you'll be feeling astounded as I was.  This novel deals with a variety of themes, mainly: identity, sense of self, societal issues- just to name a few! There is certain a lot of allegory within 'City of Glass' and the pictures compliment this.
I would like to address the main part of the GRAPHIC novel, the illustrations! They are impeccable, as a reader you get the true sense of the deprivation the character goes through. As a reader, I can understand how much work must have gone into this piece of work. Each illustration matches the words, and gives the right image to the reader. It's hard to put down, when mesmerized by such detailed images, which only become more and more fluid towards the end.
I loved this book, it's a short read too. I read it in one sitting during an afternoon by the pool! I would recommend it, especially if you want a gentle introduction into the world of Paul Auster; the graphic novel is a great place to start. A lot of bookshop also don't sell it now, I would suggest looking online as it's a rare find nowadays.
Love,
Gracie xxx

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