title: The Brooklyn Follies by: Auster, Paul published: 2005 read: 2021-03 preview

Nathan Glass, a recently retired insurance salesman and nearly 60, moves to Brooklyn to find a quiet place to live out his remaining years after being diagnosed with cancer. Nathan, who is divorced and estranged from his daughter, hopes to write a book about human folly as a way to pass the time.

While settling into his new life, Nathan unexpectedly reconnects with his nephew, Tom Wood, who is working in a local bookstore after dropping out of graduate school. Tom is disillusioned with life, but as he and Nathan rekindle their relationship, they begin to influence each other in positive ways. Through Tom, Nathan meets Harry Brightman, Tom’s eccentric boss, who has a mysterious past.

As Nathan becomes more involved in the lives of Tom and Harry, he also reconnects with his niece, Aurora, and becomes a part of her life. The novel explores the relationships between these characters, their personal struggles, and their attempts to find meaning and redemption.

Nathan’s past keeps coming back, including his failed marriage and his relationship with his daughter. But Nathan found his new community, and all is good.

A joy to read.