[Darryl]

Yes, disturbing is exactly the right word!
I have not read any Erikson, but have read two Lethem books:
Gun, With Occasional Music
and
Girl in Landscape

Gun is really very good. Girl was just ok. I will get around to reading more of him sometime...

Max, have you read any other Auster books?
I will lend you one/some if you are interested in any title.