Paul Auster was a prolific American writer who left his mark on literature with novels, essays, screenplays, and even films.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Auster’s life was touched by a defining moment at a young age: witnessing a friend’s death by lightning.

This experience would later echo in themes of chance and mortality within his work.

After graduating from Columbia University, he spent time in France, translating works and starting his own writing career.