Hello IGotThis2 and welcome to the discussion.
IGotThis2 wrote:I think that the question of whether this story is a novel or an autobiography is a moot point.
I don't know if it is a moot point. As the novel progresses I have found that the narrator, I, the man in the instituion is writing an autobiography. However, Oskar comes across as a character somewhat detached from the narrator who oftentimes uses the first person of I. In this sense, there is both a novel and an autobiography included in this story, Oskar then becomes a character. Not many writers include a detailed description of the moment of their birth within their autobiographies, and yet, the novel states that this is indeed an autobiography.
IGotThis2 wrote:Then midway through the second paragraph, he lists every possible (are some even impossible?) outcome for the fate of the ship that starred in the escape of Koljaiczek from his pursuers. Thus, the narrator absolves himself of any responsibility to THE TRUTH.
This is terrific, and very thought provoking. "The narrator absolves himself of any reponsibility to the truth". I think you are correct, the reader is warned quickly that the events described may be fantasy. But I do see some kernals of truth, even inside some of these fantastic tales. The kernals of truth are in the emotions of the narrator and Oskar. The man in the institution is bitter and resentful, Oskar is coming across as more innocent.