Timbuktu

By: Paul Auster

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Meet Mr. Bones, the canine hero of Paul Auster's remarkable novel, Timbuktu. Mr. Bones is the sidekick and confidant of Willy G. Christmas, the brilliant, troubled, and altogether original poet-saint from Brooklyn. Like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza before them, they sally forth on a last great adventure, heading for Baltimore, Maryland, in search of Willy's high school teacher, Bea Swanson. Years have passed since Willy last saw his beloved mentor, who knew him in his previous incarnation as William Gurevitch, the son of Polish war refugees. But is Mrs. Swanson still alive? And if she isn't, what will prevent Willy from vanishing into that other world known as Timbuktu?

Mr. Bones is our witness. Although he walks on four legs and cannot speak, he can think, and out of his thoughts Auster has spun one of the richest, most compelling tales in recent American fiction. By turns comic, poignant, and tragic, Timbuktu is above all a love story. Written with a scintillating verbal energy, it takes us into the heart of a singularly pure and passionate character, an unforgettable dog who has much to teach us about our own humanity.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Paul Auster's book, you'll also get an exclusive Jim Atlas interview that begins when the audiobook ends.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.©2000 Paul Auster (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"After reading Timbuktu, we ramble through our world with reawakened senses and newly alert minds. This is the Auster magic." (Paul Kafka, Boston Globe)

"A novel of haunted love whose themes loop around one another like glowing coils, connecting gracefully beneath Auster's clear prose, eliciting the fanciful and the tragic." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

"[ Timbuktu is] held aloft with audacity and brilliant, idiosyncratic language.... It's risk-taking and brazen energy suggest a writer on the verge of an even more rewarding leap into the air of his own uncharted territory." ( Chicago Tribune)

I Loved Mr. Bones!

I originally rated this four stars, but after realizing that the book stuck with me and after additional reflection about the story, I bumped the rating up to five stars. I can't say anything about the ending without giving anything away, but I can say that the ending was a complete surprise to me. This is a book where I just didn't realize how much I liked it until I finished the entire thing.

The book started out a bit slow for me, particularly the parts about Willie's life, but I found myself becoming more engrossed as the tale went on. And what's not to like about a main character named Mr. Bones? I love stories that are told from the dog's perspective, and this was no exception. The ending left a little bit to the imagination and was bittersweet.

The theme that stuck with me is the bond between human and dog. I have an 18 year old dog who is my "heart" dog, and over the years, I have thought about what would happen to her if I was no longer around. If you like books from a dog's perspective and love dogs, you will probably enjoy this one. There were a few parts that were odd to me, such as when Mr. Bones had a dream that he was a fly and could see what was happening to Willie, but I got through those parts.

The narration was very good, and I'm glad I listened to it on audio. I find that the shorter audio books work well for me, as I listen to them during my commutes to and from work.

What Disappointment

I have never been so disappointed in the ending of a book in my life! Maybe it's because I'm such an avid animal lover or because I just had to put my dog to sleep recently, but the ending ruined the entire book.

Sorry, but I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Funny, poignant, unforgettable

What did you love best about Timbuktu?

The unexpected humor

What was one of the most memorable moments of Timbuktu?

The wisdom hidden in the "philosophy" of the human character and the respect Mr. Bones paid to it.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved Mr. Bones' reflection on the "No Dogs Allowed - Except Seeing Eye Dogs" sign. I will never read a "No (anything) allowed" sign again without thinking of Mr. Bones' interpretation of it and how it made me smile.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

If only there were people like Mr. Bones.....

Any additional comments?

I won't forget this one, and when I think back on it, it's with a rueful smile.

Sad ending

I love these types of books with the dog as first person. This one had a sad ending and wasn't resolved.

Mr. Bones

Any additional comments?

Timbuktu is just under six hours of listening, read by Joe Barrett. The story is written from the point of view of a dog, Mr. Bones. The dog is not a lovely Labrador Retriever, as pictured on the cover. Mr. Bones is a Heinz variety, of unknown heritage. That said, the story of a dog’s loyalty is a fun read (listen). The dog’s owner, Willie Christmas, of somewhat questionable character, is dying. The two converse … well, Mr. Bones ’thinks’, Willie talks. But, Mr. Bones understands pretty much everything said and has his own doggie interpretations. The tale progresses through Mr. Bones’ thoughts as he and Willie journey to Boston and someone Willie hopes will take care of Mr. Bones when the grim reaper calls. Any dog lover will get a bang out of this unique perspective. Got this audiobook via one of Audible.com’s Daily Deals. Enjoyed.

Compassionate, clever, thought provoking

I loved it. I listened to the entire book today. I wish that it was longer.

Interesting, but sad

I was intrigued by the story right up till the last few paragraphs. I just wasn't prepared for the abrupt and discouraging ending.

great experience

Mr bones is the inner voice of every person who is in reflection mode.
this next words are only to complete the 20 required by this review

Amazing

Wonderful touching story, I greatly enjoyed the book and found myself very moved by this story. Will look for more books from this author who writes with such a clear vision.

Story is a Downer -- Not for Me!

First of all, the dog is not clear about why his master was such a loser. The Poles I've met are clear-headed and hard-working. While the approach of the story is "interesting," that doesn't make it a good read! Sad beginning, sad ending, and way too many authoritarian figures who don't like dogs or pets or kids. Could've thrown in a Russian, a famous painting, a lot of drugs, more words -- and gotten the Pullitzer! Bah, humbug!