Timbuktu

Paul Auster

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'Timbuktu' by Paul Auster is a heartwarming tale narrated by a dog named Mr. Bones, who shares the story of his loyal companionship with his homeless master, Willy G Christmas. The book delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals, as Mr. Bones navigates life after Willy's death, reflecting on their shared experiences and his longing for home. The narrative style, written from the unique perspective of a dog, offers a touching and poignant exploration of life's complexities and emotions.

'Timbuktu' is a poignant and humorous story that explores the relationship between a dog and his dying master, providing readers with reflections on love, life, and the essence of humanity. The book captures the essence of a dog's nature through the character of Mr. Bones, offering a unique and intriguing insight into the emotional journey of a faithful canine companion. With a simple yet powerful writing style, Paul Auster weaves a tale that is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and ultimately unforgettable.

Characters:

Mr Bones is a relatable, loyal canine character, while Willy is characterized by his eccentricities and struggles, creating a rich emotional backdrop for their relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, yet resonant with emotion and depth, effectively conveying complex themes through Mr Bones' perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Mr Bones, a dog navigating the challenges of life after his master Willy Christmas's death, encapsulating themes of loyalty, survival, and the search for belonging.

Setting:

The setting spans urban landscapes of the 1990s, prominently featuring Baltimore, and underscores themes of survival and the search for connection.

Pacing:

The pacing transitions from a slower start to a more engaging tempo as the narrative focuses on Mr Bones' journey, ultimately making it a swift and impactful read.

MR. BONES KNEW THAT WILLY WASN’T long for this world. The cough had been inside him for over six months, and by now there wasn’t a chance in hell that he would ever get rid of it. Slowly and inexorabl...

Notes:

Timbuktu is a novella written by Paul Auster in 1999.

The story is narrated from the perspective of a dog named Mr Bones.

Mr Bones' owner is Willy Christmas, a homeless man who struggles with his mental health.

The plot revolves around Willy's attempt to find a new home for Mr Bones before he dies.

The title 'Timbuktu' refers to the afterlife that Willy envisions for himself and Mr Bones.

The narrative is a mix of humor and poignant insights into loyalty and loss.

Mr Bones encounters various owners after Willy's death, highlighting themes of survival and identity.

The book has a clean and accessible style, making it suitable for young adult readers.

It touches on issues like homelessness, identity, and the nature of love and companionship.

Mr Bones is portrayed as intelligent and introspective, understanding much about the human world despite being a dog.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Timbuktu include themes of homelessness, mental illness, and death.

From The Publisher:

Mr. Bones, the heroic dog of Paul Auster's astonishing book, is the sidekick and confidant of Willy G. Christmas, a brilliant and troubled homeless man from Brooklyn. As Willy's body slowly expires, he sets off with Mr. Bones for Baltimore in search of his high-school English teacher and a new home for his companion. Mr. Bones is our witness during their journey, and out of his thoughts Paul Auster has spun one of the richest, most compelling tales in recent American fiction.

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About the Author:

PAUL AUSTER is the bestselling author of Travels in the Scriptorium, The Brooklyn Follies, and Man in the Dark. I Thought My Father Was God, the NPR National Story Project anthology, which he edited, was a national bestseller. His work has been translated into thirty languages. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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