In getting ready for the long-awaited release of 1Q84 on October 25th, I was pleasantly surprised to find evidence of Lemuria-Staff-Past who have also been devoted fans. Walker (Lemuria Class of 2006) said he would be happy if we shared some of his thoughts on one his favorite Murakami books and a recommended first read. Here’s what he has to say:
Murakami’s Norwegian Wood was the novel that broke the author into mainstream success. Compared to Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World or Kafka on the Shore, the narrative is straightforward: a college boy’s coming-of-age story, told through his romantic involvement with two very different girls. But this book is the most affecting, personal, and character-driven Murakami I’ve read, and I loved it.
It’s a coming of age story with all of what I count as some of the author’s big draws: simple, elegant sentences, sexual frankness, and quiet thoughts on everyday scenes. When Murakami writes that his character just drank coffee, read a chapter in a book, then went to get beer, you don’t doubt it, and you feel for some reason that you would like coffee, a good book, and then some beer. It’s a weird and calm effect he has. Also, in this book, you get to read about what everybody eats and drinks. You will know what every character ate and drank every time they do it. It’s great. There’s a diligent and gentle attention to surface detail that’s almost strange.
This book would serve as a great introduction to Murakami, his writing and voice are wonderful here, the story is clear and intimate, and if you’re leery or not in the mood for fantastic elements, they’re none to be found.
-Walker (Lemuria 2006)
For an introduction to Murakami and preview of 1Q84, click here.
1Q84 is coming October 25th. Click here to reserve your copy.
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