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Cover of The New York Trilogy by Paul AusterThe New York Trilogy
Classic · Fiction, Mystery, Classics

The New York Trilogy

by Paul Auster
1986 · 308 pages · Fiction
Critics' pick
≈ 8 hours to read · about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day

What it's about

Three interconnected novels that borrow the elements of detective fiction to create something new. In each, a search for clues leads to strange coincidences, and the simple act of following a man becomes a deeper inquiry into what it means to be human.

Why it's worth reading

It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It's bold, stark and hard to put down.

You'll love it if you liked

Good to know

Don't expect the mysteries to be solved in the usual way.

By the numbers

63.9Must-Read Score
  • Readers44 out of 100 · counts 42%
  • Critics30 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
  • Bestseller24 out of 100 · counts 14%
  • Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%

Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.

Where it ranks

Why it made the list

On the lists
Guardian 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read

Reads as

Gripping, Thought-provoking, Moving

How we rank

Already read it? Upload your Goodreads or StoryGraph history and get the 50 best books you haven't read, tuned to your taste.Get my 50

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Explore the best-of lists

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Quick answers

Is The New York Trilogy worth reading?

Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It ranks #2,124 of the 3,057 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 63.9 (the best book we found scores 99).

What is The New York Trilogy about?

Three interconnected novels that borrow the elements of detective fiction to create something new. In each, a search for clues leads to strange coincidences, and the simple act of following a man becomes a deeper inquiry into what it means to be human.

How long does it take to read The New York Trilogy?

About 8 hours (308 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.

What should I read after The New York Trilogy?

If you liked it, try City of Glass by Paul Auster, Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges or The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.