Mr. Vertigo

About “Mr. Vertigo”

In Mr. Vertigo, Paul Auster tells the story of Walter Claireborne Rawley, an orphan from Saint Louis who becomes "Walt the Wonder Boy," a performer known for his levitation acts. Set in 1927, the novel follows Walt's journey from poverty to fame under the guidance of Master Yehudi, a mysterious mentor who teaches him the art of illusion. Walt's life is shaped by the challenges of his time, as he faces dangers from groups like the Kansas Ku Klux Klan and the Chicago mob. Master Yehudi and Walt are tested by the corruption and violence of America in the years before the Great Depression. Their story reflects the struggles of a young nation, as well as the personal and moral challenges of an artist. Auster blends realism with myth, creating a narrative that explores the defiance of natural laws and the pursuit of wonder. The novel captures the aspirations and turbulence of a country in transition.