Cult author explains why literature can still make an ‘enormous impact’ on the world

King’s Theatre JJJJ American writer Paul Auster is one of the most hotly-anticipated guests at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival, requiring the festival to branch out from Charlotte Square to the 1,350seat Kings Theatre, in partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival and the British Council.

But those who hoped that the cult New York novelist would offer insights on the current American political situation were disappointed.

In an hour-long event which seemed far too short,