Objectively speaking, this work is truly a treasure trove for in-depth reading. It offers a wealth of insights and details that make it the closest thing we have to a Murakami biography at the moment.

Subjectively, however, my experience with it was quite different. It was an extremely exhausting read that took me months to complete. I found myself constantly struggling to get through the pages, and I just couldn't fathom how some people could choose to read non-fiction voluntarily.

Perhaps it's because I have a natural inclination towards more imaginative and fictional works. Non-fiction often seems too dry and factual for my taste. But I also recognize that everyone has different reading preferences, and what might be a chore for me could be a fascinating and enjoyable experience for others.

In conclusion, while I can appreciate the objective value of this work, my personal reading experience was less than ideal. Nevertheless, I'm sure there are many Murakami fans out there who will find this book to be a must-read.

This work seems to lean more towards literary criticism than a traditional biography. One might wonder, what else does the subject do apart from writing, running, and translating?

If you have delved deeply into Haruki's extensive body of work, then this piece is well worth reading. It offers unique perspectives and insights that can enhance your understanding of his literary universe.

However, if you haven't read much of his work, the value of this article may be somewhat limited. You might not fully grasp the significance of some of the discussions and analyses.

Particularly interesting is the appendix on translating Murakami. For those who have read his works in both English and Japanese, it provides a fascinating look into the challenges and decisions involved in the translation process. It sheds light on how the essence of his writing is preserved or perhaps altered in the translation from one language to another.

Overall, this article has its merits, but its appeal will vary depending on the reader's familiarity with Haruki's works.

The author of the book, Jay Rubin, is a great fan of Murakami and has skillfully translated his longer and shorter stories into English.

Murakami's anonymity remains, but Rubin provides a very deep insight into Murakami's inner world and the processes that inspire or even compel him to write.

This is a must-read for Murakami fans. For those who have not read and become familiar with Murakami's world, it may seem a bit dull at first, but it is still a good starting point.

Rubin's translations offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich and complex universe created by Murakami. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his works, this book is sure to provide an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

So, if you are interested in Japanese literature or simply looking for a good read, don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the magic of Murakami through the eyes of Jay Rubin.

A good account of Murakami's work is presented here. However, the title and write-up seem to imply a greater focus on the music in his literature. In reality, the emphasis is more on his position, or rather the lack of it, within the Japanese literary tradition.

Possibly the most captivating and thought-provoking section is Rubin's personal reflections on the life of the Japanese-English translator and the nature of both languages towards the end. His insights are truly unique and remarkable. Additionally, his somewhat polemical stance on re-translation, specifically creating German translations of Murakami's work from the American or English edition, is also quite interesting.

The main body, while it may be of interest to regular Murakami readers, is little more than average literary criticism with a multicultural slant. It doesn't offer anything truly revolutionary or groundbreaking in the field of literary analysis.

Jay Rubin has made a significant contribution to the study and understanding of Haruki Murakami's works. His in-depth analysis and interpretations have provided readers with valuable insights into the complex and fascinating world of Murakami's literature.

However, it would be wonderful if he could write and publish more books on this topic. There is still so much to explore and discover in Murakami's extensive body of work.

Rubin's expertise and passion for Murakami's writing make him the perfect candidate to further expand our knowledge and appreciation of this renowned author.

His future books could potentially cover new aspects of Murakami's writing, such as his use of symbolism, his evolving themes over the years, or his influence on contemporary literature.

By publishing more books, Rubin would not only enrich the field of Murakami studies but also bring joy and enlightenment to countless fans of the author around the world.

We eagerly await his next contributions and hope that he will continue to share his unique perspective on Murakami's works with us.

An excellent overview of all of Murakami's books is provided by his main translator, Jay Rubin. This work truly reveals the Japanese qualities within his writing, especially (for me) the significance of Shinto in understanding his work. If you desire a deeper understanding, listen to the In Our Time podcast on Shinto.

Rubin is outstanding in discussing each book. As a westerner, he is unfailingly adept at placing each book into context from a Western perspective. I have read most of Murakami's books, which I believe is beneficial. However, this is an excellent book on the process of translation and is very good at reviewing each book in terms of the specific translation issues he had to overcome.

The entire work is thoroughly engaging, captivating the reader's attention from start to finish. It offers valuable insights into both Murakami's books and the art of translation.

Where this book truly excels is in dissecting the tales of Haruki Murakami. As Jay Rubin states, being a translator also implies being a critic, and he performs an outstanding job of interpreting the novels and short stories. So much so that it has compelled me to desire rereading at least a couple of Murakami's books. However, he somewhat skimps on the autobiographical details. He uses just enough to flesh out the exploration of his subject's oeuvre, presenting a skeletal history. Most of this is either already known or easily accessible - getting married while at university, opening the jazz Bar (Peter Cat), and escaping to America after early success, etc. At first, I was a bit disappointed with the meager offerings regarding the personal side of one of my favorite authors. But soon, it became irrelevant. I became fascinated as Jay Rubin dissected the stories, offering his diagnosis and his interpretation of a series of works that have puzzled readers for some time now. In doing so, he has shed light on the many levels of Haruki Murakami's novels.

An interesting dissection of Murakami's work up to 2002 is presented by his translator, Jay Rubin. Rubin delves deep into the subject, adding a wealth of biographic detail. Well, as much as Murakami was willing to share with him, that is. He painstakingly collects and translates evidence from lectures and Japanese publications. Then, he embarks on a comprehensive analysis of Murakami's work, starting from the very beginning of his career all the way until "Kafka on the Shore".

Rubin is not your typical critic. He is a funny yet extremely perceptive one. His analyses are not only insightful but also highly readable. It is truly astonishing to come across something that is essentially literary criticism yet manages to be so enjoyable. His work offers a fresh perspective on Murakami's oeuvre, making it a must-read for fans and scholars alike.

How obsessed am I with reading a rather long non-fiction work of literary criticism along with the extensive endnotes?

This book is truly a precious gift for the Murakami fan.

It not only offers an in-depth discussion of Murakami-san's life and work but also provides a detailed dissection of the translation process.

Now, I find myself even more excited to explore and read more of Murakami's extensive oeuvre.

I am completely obsessed with it.

The detailed analysis and insights in this book have opened up a whole new world for me, making me eager to delve deeper into Murakami's literary universe.

It's as if a new door has been unlocked, leading me to a place filled with无尽的 literary treasures.

I can't wait to continue this journey of discovery and immerse myself further in the wonderful world of Murakami's works.

My only real regret regarding this book is that I haven't delved deeper into the works of Murakami. As of today, I've only read Hard-Boiled Wonderland and The End of the World, Norwegian Wood, and Kafka on the Shore.

Rubin's analysis of those three novels was truly enlightening for me. I don't believe the others were spoiled, but I definitely got the most out of his insights on these particular works.

I was especially captivated by following Murakami's journey of uncovering what it means to be a writer, specifically a novelist in contemporary Japan. He is truly a remarkable individual, with an imagination that should be cherished by the entire world.

The appendix at the end, which discusses the intricacies of translating Japanese to English and other languages, was a fascinating read. Given that Rubin himself is a translator of some of Murakami's works, it added an extra layer of interest. I would have found it engaging regardless, but it was especially enjoyable when he let go of the scholarly facade and geeked out a little bit.

Overall, this book has made me eager to explore more of Murakami's literary universe and has given me a greater appreciation for the art of translation.

A really nice book indeed! It offers a concise analysis of all of Murakami's works.

Not only that, but it also provides some great context regarding Murakami's style and the various influences that have shaped his writing.

However, there is a caveat. I would highly recommend reading this book only after you have read all of his novels. The reason being that there are spoilers for the majority of them.

This was the case for me, and as a result, I had to skip past the Dance Dance Dance section. I will definitely be coming back to it after I have read the novel.

Overall, this book is a great resource for fans of Murakami, but it's important to approach it with the right timing to fully enjoy and appreciate its contents.

I firmly believe in the might of the story. It has the power to stir something within our spirits and minds, something that has been passed down to us through the ages. John Irving once made a profound statement, comparing a good story to a narcotic fix. He claimed that if one could infuse a great story into the veins of readers, they would develop a habit and keep coming back for more, regardless of what the critics might say. His metaphor might seem rather shocking at first glance, but upon deeper reflection, I find myself in complete agreement with him.

A good story has an almost magical quality. It has the ability to transport us to different worlds, make us experience a wide range of emotions, and even change our perspectives. It can touch our hearts and souls, leaving a lasting impression. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, a well-crafted story has the power to engage and captivate us.

Moreover, stories have been an integral part of human culture since time immemorial. They have been used to teach moral lessons, preserve history, and connect people. In a way, stories are like a bridge that spans across generations, carrying with them the wisdom and experiences of our ancestors. They have the power to inspire us, motivate us, and make us believe in the impossible.

In conclusion, I believe that the power of the story is truly remarkable. It has the potential to transform our lives and make us better individuals. So, let us continue to tell stories, read stories, and share stories, for in doing so, we are keeping alive a tradition that is as old as humanity itself.