The Music of Chance

Title: The Music of Chance

Author: Paul Auster

Number of pages: 198

Extract:

For one whole year he did nothing but drive, traveling back and forth across America as he waited for the money to run out. He hadn't expected it to go on that long, but one thing kept leading to another, and by the time Nashe understood what was happening to him, he was past the point of wanting it to end. Three days into the thirteenth month, he met up with the kid who called himself Jackpot. It was one of those random, accidental encounters that seem to materialize out of thin air-a twig that breaks off in the wind and suddenly lands at your feet. Had it occurred at any other moment, it is doubtful that Nashe would have opened his mouth. But because he had already given up, he figured there was nothing to lose anymore, he saw the stranger as a reprieve, as a last chance to do something for himself before it was too late. And just like that, he went ahead and did it. Without the slightest tremor of fear, Nashe closed his eyes and jumped.

What’s it about?

Following the death of his father, Jim Nashe takes to the open road in pursuit of a 'life of freedom'. But as the money runs out he finds that his sense of disillusionment has only been compounded by his year on the road. However, after picking up Pozzi, a hitchhiking gambler, Nashe finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of high-stakes poker with two eccentric and reclusive millionaires.

What I thought:

I have to confess that Paul Auster is one of my favourite authors. I love the way he writes and the darkness of his stories. This book was no exception – both in terms of the darkness in it and how much I enjoyed it.

This book tells the tale of the consequences of a gamble going wrong. Whilst this might not sound like the best selling point for a book it almost has a ‘fairy tale’ quality to it at times – but not in a childish way. You’ll see what I mean if you read the book (and you should!). The book also really vividly portrays a sense of being trapped (both literally and figuratively) by making bad choices and risking it all and losing. It ss a really well written book and the themes of freedom (or otherwise) and searching were really engaging. Read this book – and if you have never read any Paul Auster before, this is a really great place to start.

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