Why don't critics like Paul Auster?

[youngsquire]

I've just read New York Trilogy, and now I'm starting to read Oracle Night. I've been reading different reviews online about Auster's work and I can't seem to find a good review from any critics. They are all very negative.

I, personally, really enjoy him; his writing style is fluent and his stories are original and entertaining.

I'm wondering: a) Why are the reviews so bad and b) Why isn't Paul Auster more popular?

Has anyone else read any of his works? Anyone a fan? Anyone thinks he sucks? Why?

[PeterL]

It might be that he hasn't written anything that was particularly good, but I've only read a couple of things, a sample that told me he wasn't worht the trouble.

[Kafka's Crow]

I read Moon Palace around 15 years ago and found it repulsive. Never bothered with anything by him after such an appalling experience. I have forgotten most of it but I can remember that it was full of unlikely coincidences.

[qimissung]

I believe The New York Trilogy is well thought of. I haven't read it, but there might be a discussion thread on it somewhere on the site.

Yeah, there is. Check the 'similar threads' link at the bottom of the page.