Paul Auster’s 4321, The Review: It's a lot!

Paul Auster’s 4321 isn’t just a book—it’s a literary odyssey. Imagine stepping into a kaleidoscope where one boy’s life fractures into four alternate versions, and you’ve got the essence of this ambitious novel. At over 800 pages, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for the challenge, it might just be worth the ride. Spoiler: it’s also going to test your stamina.

Archibald Isaac Ferguson (Archie, to his friends) is born in 1947 Newark, New Jersey, and his life splinters into four parallel realities. Each version of Archie’s life explores how small shifts in circumstance—think Sliding Doors, but with more politics and fewer Gwyneth Paltrows—can create vastly different outcomes. It’s a heady mix of love, tragedy, political rebellion, and, of course, writing. Oh, the writing. Archie doesn’t just dabble in it; he tackles poetry, journalism, novels, reviews, and even memoirs about kids dreaming of starring in films. He’s practically an overachiever across multiple universes.

Here’s the kicker: Auster writes all four lives simultaneously. Yes, you’ll bounce from one Archie to another with every chapter, like a literary ping-pong match. And while the author thoughtfully leaves breadcrumbs so you can keep track, the sheer density of detail might leave you wondering if it’s worth the effort. I listened to this book on Audible and for once in my 11 years of Audible membership, I actually was forced to stop a book a few chapters into it, just so that I could start all over again after I discovered I had missed something and needed clarity on what I had missed.

Why 4321 Stands Out (or Sticks Out)

The writing itself is lush and flowing, but Auster seems to have a soft spot for the world’s longest sentences. Some paragraphs stretch across pages like marathon runners with no finish line in sight. And yet, the rhythm of the prose has a charm that sneaks up on you—just as you’re about to give up.

What kept me going? Archie. Across his four lives, he’s endearing, flawed, and entirely human. Whether he’s navigating family struggles, heartbreak, or the political minefields of the 1960s and 70s, there’s something universal about his journey.

But let’s not sugarcoat it: 4321 isn’t a casual beach read. It’s heavy on historical detail, cultural references, and introspection. Auster takes us through the turbulence of the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and radical changes, all filtered through Archie’s varied experiences. It’s a lot, and by page 700, I did start to feel like I was wading through literary quicksand.

So, Is It Worth the Hype?

Well, it depends. If you’re a fan of intricate storytelling with philosophical undertones, this book might just be your cup of tea. Auster explores big questions about fate, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of life.

Take this gem of a quote:

"Every life is inexplicable, Ferguson had come to believe, which is why we invent stories to make sense of the world, to impose order on the chaos of existence."

But if you’re hoping for a clean resolution or an "aha!" moment that ties all four narratives together in a dazzling climax, you might be disappointed. For me, the narratives felt more like drafts of the same novel, circling endlessly without quite landing.

Some readers have likened 4321 to works like Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life or Jenny Erpenbeck’s The End of Days, which handle alternate realities with more focus. Others have criticised Auster for dragging out a thin concept over far too many pages. One frustrated reviewer even called it “four drafts of a half-finished novel.” Harsh, but not entirely off the mark.

There were times I just wanted the book to end, because, well, "my mama didn't raise a quitter".

Why It Still Lingers in My Mind 

Despite my exasperation at times, 4321 has moments of brilliance. Archie’s reflections on life, storytelling, and the fleeting nature of time stuck with me long after I’d turned the final page:

"No one remembers the beginning. No one lives to see the end. The only thing we have is the present, and even that slips through our fingers like sand."

Auster has an undeniable gift for capturing the beauty and fragility of human existence, even if he occasionally gets bogged down in his own verbosity.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend 4321? Only if you’re prepared for the long haul. This isn’t a book you breeze through—it’s one you wrestle with. But for all its flaws, it’s a bold, audacious work that dares to experiment with form and scope. Love it or hate it, you won’t forget it.

And to be honest, as much as I moaned about the length of the book when I finally reached the last page, I felt a pang of sadness. Archie and his many lives had grown on me. If nothing else, 4321 proves that sometimes, the journey is its own reward.

I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read it but watch out for some emotional and heartbreaking parts in this book.

Where to get the book

If you don't want to wait for a delivery and need the book instantly, then you want the book as an audiobook which you can get through Audible for free as part of your one book-a-month membership, if you are a member, or you can buy it for £6.80 if you are not a member. You can also get an ebook version through Kindle at £8.49, this is available instantly too. However, if you are old school, and I mean this as a sign of respect, preferring the physical book with the feel and the smell of pages, then you can order a paperback for £8.48 or a hardcover for £3.83 (used) from Amazon

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