An excellent biography/criticism of Murakami has emerged, and it is extremely readable. The author delves deep into the life and works of Murakami, providing valuable insights and analysis. However, despite the praise for this biography/criticism, I still hold the opinion that there is almost zero substance to any of Murakami's work. His stories often seem to lack a deeper meaning or purpose, yet I find myself unable to stop reading him.

There is something about Murakami's writing style that is captivating. His use of vivid imagery and strange, dreamlike scenarios draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. Perhaps it is the sense of mystery and the unknown that he creates that makes his work so appealing. But even as I am drawn in by his writing, I can't help but feel that there is something missing.

Despite my reservations about the substance of his work, I continue to read Murakami because I am intrigued by his unique perspective and his ability to create such engaging stories. Maybe one day I will discover the hidden meaning in his work that others seem to find so easily. Until then, I will continue to be both frustrated and fascinated by his writing.

Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author whose works have captivated readers around the world. His unique writing style, filled with vivid imagery and a touch of the surreal, has earned him a dedicated following.

If you are a Murakami fan, you know that his novels are not just stories but immersive experiences. They take you on a journey through strange and wonderful worlds, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking themes.

One of the things that makes Murakami's writing so special is his ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. He can make the most mundane events seem magical and the most fantastical scenarios feel real.

Another aspect of his work that fans love is his exploration of human emotions and relationships. His characters are often flawed and searching for meaning in their lives, and their struggles resonate with readers on a deep level.

In conclusion, if you are a Murakami fan, you understand the power of his writing and the impact it can have on your life. His novels are essential reading for anyone who loves great literature and wants to be transported to another world.

If you are interested in Murakami's creativity, but don't always understand the text that is rich in allegories and metaphors, then this book is for you.

After reading it, many things become clearer, and a super ability emerges to see the meaning where a rational person would only find the madness of a gray mare on a moonlit night.

This book offers valuable insights and interpretations that can help you unlock the hidden depths of Murakami's works.

It provides a guide through the complex labyrinth of his allegorical and metaphorical language, allowing you to better appreciate and understand the profound ideas and emotions he conveys.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Murakami or new to his works, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of his unique literary style.

Only if you are a Murakami fan, can you truly understand the unique charm and profoundness of his works.

Haruki Murakami is a literary giant whose novels and short stories have captivated readers around the world. His writing style is characterized by a blend of the real and the surreal, creating a world that is both familiar and yet充满奇幻色彩.

For Murakami fans, his works are not just books, but a journey into a different realm of imagination. We are drawn to his complex characters, their inner struggles, and the mysteries that unfold as the story progresses.

Whether it's the magical realism of "Norwegian Wood" or the mind-bending narratives of "1Q84," Murakami's works always leave us with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore more.

I am sure many of you are also Murakami fans, sharing this passion for his unique brand of literature. Let's continue to immerse ourselves in his world and discover the hidden treasures that lie within each of his works.

Before I begin, I must express my great gratitude to Jay Rubin, who was one of the three people who introduced Haruki Murakami to the world. Along with Alfred Birnbaum and Philip Gabriel, they put Haruki's writings on the shelves of many libraries around the world, including in the Arab world. Without them, especially Alfred, Haruki would not have reached what he has today.

Warning ⚠️: This book is a gift from Jay Rubin to all lovers of Haruki's writings, and I recommend it to every lover, but after finishing all of Murakami's works because this work literally burns all of Haruki Murakami's novels and short stories.

Jay Rubin, before becoming a translator for Haruki, was a respected academic and a proud doctor at Harvard University. His dissertation was on Japanese literature. Therefore, we are talking here about a person who has spent his entire life on the aspects of the vast ocean called Japanese literature. Not only that, but he was a lover of Haruki's writings even before translating them. The man read all of Haruki's Japanese works. Therefore, it is no wonder that his translations are amazing because they stem from love and passion, not material. And we all know that what is made with love will always be more proficient than any material creation.

In this book, Mr. Jay takes you on a journey through all of Murakami's worlds, from his first work to his last work (excluding the two works that were published after the release of this book). Here, Mr. Jay reviews, analyzes, discusses, and connects all the events, stories, characters, meanings, and symbols in Haruki's writings. He doesn't stop there but goes beyond that to talk about the lectures that Haruki gave at different universities and many other details about his personal life and his work as a translator. The book is rich in information, and I learned things from it that I was ignorant of about Haruki.

For example, I knew that Haruki translated many Japanese works, but I didn't know that he continued to work as a translator even after becoming famous.

Jay shed light on his relationship with Haruki and his experience in translating his books and their meaning to him as an academic before becoming a translator. The book is precious because most of this information is difficult for any reader who doesn't know Japanese to access, as it contains quotations from short stories that have not been translated into English.

As for Haruki himself, I think that everyone who knows me knows the extent of my admiration and interest in him. He is the author whose works I have reviewed the most (14 reviews), and the only author whose all novels I have read. And I don't think that what I will say about him here will be different from what I have said about him in my previous reviews. Therefore, so as not to fall into the trap of repetition, I will suffice with the following: Haruki's strength and literary charm lie in his remarkable ability to take those fascinating shadows in our conscious and unconscious minds and build a story and a vast world based on them, using a simple and uncomplicated language that has unique settings and a musical rhythm that enchants, attracts, and pulls you towards it. With him, you feel as if you are with an old friend, not bored with his conversations and stories. The conversations don't feel the passage of time. Yes, you will forget the details, but you will always remember the emotions that they evoked in you and will remain grateful for them forever. This is Murakami, and this is his writing in short.

If you're a die-hard fan of Haruki Murakami's work, then this particular book is an absolute must-read for you. Jay Rubin takes you on a fascinating journey through Murakami's extensive body of work, both the translated and the untranslated ones, in order to truly flush out the essence of the author.

Did you know that Murakami had a website where he openly answered readers' questions? The questions he received ranged from in-depth inquiries about the material in his books to seeking relationship advice. It was truly a unique and engaging way for him to interact with his fans.

Another interesting aspect is that his books have been translated out-of-order. However, learning the timeline for his books provides valuable insights into understanding how he has evolved as a writer over the years.

While reading this book, all I could think about was rereading his entire body of work. It's truly a testament to the power and allure of Murakami's writing.

Fortunately, I just ordered his "newest" book, After Dark, which was actually written back in 2004. I can't wait to dive back into the world of Haruki Murakami and explore the new stories and ideas he has to offer.

Warning: this book contains spoilers for almost all Murakami's works.

With that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this lengthy critical commentary on Murakami's short stories, novels and non-fictional works. It is written in a personal, laid back tone that makes it easy to engage with.

At the end, it felt like I have not only gained an in-depth understanding of Murakami's works, but also caught a glimpse into his reclusive life and mind.

However, I do feel that Rubin, being Murakami's translator, is somewhat biased. He passionately defends Murakami's omniscient stance as an author and readily accepts Murakami's trademark illogical plot lines.

After reading several of Murakami's works, especially most of his short stories, I noticed that the transition between the real and the magical real in his works is not always seamless. There are only a few exceptionally good pieces such as "Super Frog Saves Tokyo", "TV People" and "Sleep" where the transition is smooth.

A well-crafted and smooth plot is crucial for me to be able to follow the story and immerse myself in the author's imaginary world. But Rubin contends that Murakami manages to achieve this regardless. I am currently reading 1Q84 and can't help but feel that I am being compelled to believe in the world of 1Q84.

Still, this book is a must-read if you are interested in what credible critics have to say about the man behind the books, his works and his motivation.

I am 45 years old, and in these years, I have only understood one thing. That is: if a person makes an effort, there is always something to be learned from everything. Even from the most ordinary and commonplace things, there is always something you can gain. (...) In fact, if it weren't for this, no one would be able to survive. - Haruki Murakami

Jay Rubin describes, chronologically, the extraordinary career of Haruki Murakami, making connections and highlighting the common points among his novels and short stories. Time, memory, the unknown, dreams, solitude, reflection, cooking, books, films, music, cats: the books of Haruki Murakami do not have answers. They are wonderful journeys, intense enigmas, and all the beauty lies in the experience and the journey along the way. However, his work does not only stand out in the writing of novels and short stories but also in the writing of non-fiction and literary translation, all of which make him who he is.

I read my first Haruki Murakami book at the age of 16, and since then, I have always followed him. As one of my favorite authors, I have always been (and still am) curious about him as a person. With this book, I was able to learn a little more, and I was not surprised that the glimpse of his character and personality fascinated me.

This article is really quite interesting in certain parts!

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the process of reading it.

To be honest, I have to admit that I'm a bit of a Murakami nerd.

His works always seem to have a unique charm that draws me in and keeps me engaged.

The way he weaves his stories, creates vivid characters, and explores complex themes is truly remarkable.

Even in this particular piece, there were elements that I couldn't help but appreciate.

It might not be the most perfect or comprehensive article, but it definitely had its moments that made it worth reading.

As a Murakami enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new works or interpretations that can add to my understanding and enjoyment of his literature.

And this article, in its own way, managed to do just that.

Overall, I would say that it was a pleasant read that satisfied my inner Murakami nerd.

Truly, if you have a burning desire to know more about Haruki Murakami, then this book could very well be the next big thing for you.

It contains crucial aspects of his biography, along with detailed presentations of his most significant works. And, of course, there are numerous quotes from his interviews, speeches, and everything else that comes to mind when you truly want to get to know someone.

A major advantage is that it is written in a way that suits all kinds of readers. You don't have to be an expert or have in-depth knowledge to understand the author. It will also inspire you to read further books by him and give you a more comprehensive idea of Murakami's short stories.

However, there might be a (perhaps) significant drawback. This book would be more suitable if you have already read 4 - 5 of his famous pieces. Believe me, it will make a real difference. We're talking about substantial books, approximately 500 pages each. And no, this isn't for the fans of "Sputnik Sweetheart" only, just kidding. If you attempt to skip pages, you'll discover that the author constantly refers back to every single piece, so you can't really escape a novel or short story.

Overall, I absolutely loved it. It exceeded my expectations!

This book was an absolutely stunning overview of Murakami's work and the various influences that have shaped it.

It was truly eye-opening and made me have a strong desire to learn how to read Japanese.

The reason for this is that a significant portion of his work has not been translated into English, and I yearn to experience the full breadth and depth of his literary genius.

I have to give kudos to Jay Rubin for creating such an engaging and informative piece.

His insights and analysis have added a whole new dimension to my understanding and appreciation of Murakami's writing.

I can't wait to delve deeper into Murakami's world and explore all that he has to offer.

This book has truly been a catalyst for my literary journey and has inspired me to expand my language skills and explore new literary horizons.

If you're a Murakami enthusiast, this is an absolute must-read. Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author whose works have captivated readers around the world. His unique writing style combines elements of magic realism, mystery, and deep psychological exploration.

Murakami's novels are filled with vivid characters and intricate storylines that draw you in from the very first page. Whether it's the strange and wonderful world of "1Q84" or the introspective journey of "Norwegian Wood," his books have the power to transport you to another realm.

For Murakami enthusiasts, reading his works is not just a pastime but a passion. His words have a way of touching the soul and making you think about life, love, and the human condition in a whole new way. So, if you haven't already, pick up a Murakami novel and prepare to be amazed.