title: The Music of Chance by: Auster, Paul published: 2014-07-17 read: 2021-07 preview

Magic realism at its best. The main character, Jim Nashe, and Pozzi, a hitchhiking gambler, join forces in setting up a top scam, a “sure fire” gig by winning poker against two lotto-rich men.  To do so, Pozzi uses a start capital, given to him by Jim, and…. loses the game.

The punishment, to repay their debt, is as if from a Seinfeld episode. The two need to build a medieval wall, the stones of which were imported from the UK, in the garden.  As the building continues, so does the drama. Will they ever be released alive?

The story has an absurd quality, but, as Auster goes: a good and strong story, and a lovely read.