This was an outstanding book!

After having devoured every single book written by Murakami, I discovered that this particular one excelled in providing a comprehensive and detailed account of all his works.

I was especially enthralled by the insights into Murakami's writing process. It was truly fascinating to learn how he crafted his unique and captivating stories.

In addition, it was equally interesting to explore the various influences that shaped his writing, as well as to catch a glimpse of his life outside the realm of writing.

For all the die-hard Murakami fans out there, I would highly recommend this book. It offers a wealth of information and a deeper understanding of the man behind the masterpieces.

Overall, I would rate this book a solid 3.8 out of 5.

Rubin is not merely a translator for Murakami. In fact, he is a die-hard fan. This dual role enables him to infuse his book with not only a wealth of knowledge but also an abundance of enthusiasm for the subject matter. As I delved into his work, I was truly captivated. It opened up a whole new world for me, providing a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Murakami as a serious and accomplished writer. Rubin's insights and interpretations added a new dimension to my perception of Murakami's works. I found myself constantly engaged, eager to discover more about the connection between Rubin and Murakami, and how their collaboration has contributed to the rich tapestry of literature.

This review offers an informative look at Murakami's works, though it may verge on being a bit too sentimental for a truly objective critique.

It covers up to "Wind Up Bird" and serves as an excellent reference not only for his short stories and essay collections but also provides an informative history of the author himself.

It is highly recommended for fans of Murakami, as it delves into the details and nuances of his works.

However, it's important to note that it likely won't change the minds of those who have already decided they don't like Haruki's writings.

Overall, it offers a valuable perspective and a wealth of information for those interested in exploring Murakami's literary world.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about his works, this review is worth a read.

It provides a comprehensive overview and may inspire you to further explore the depths of Murakami's unique and captivating writing style.

So, if you're looking for an in-depth look at Murakami's works, this review is definitely worth checking out.

I read the first edition of this before 1Q84 came out in 2011.

If you're not already a fan of Murakami's, you likely won't be reading this. However, for those who are, this offers a great perspective on his work through the eyes of one of his best-known English-language translators.

In many ways, it provides an insider's look at Murakami's extensive body of work. It delves into the various aspects of his writing, from the unique themes he explores to the distinct style that has made him so beloved by readers around the world.

The translator's insights add an extra layer of depth and understanding, allowing fans to gain a new appreciation for Murakami's literary genius. Whether you're a long-time devotee or just beginning to discover his work, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of Haruki Murakami.

When you like Haruki Murakami, there is a book that you must read. However, it is advisable to finish reading all of his works first. Although it is said to be finished, there is still 25% left. I will come back to read the rest when I complete that plan.

This particular book holds a special charm for Murakami enthusiasts. It might offer unique insights or a different perspective that complements his other works. By reading all of his books first, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of his writing style, themes, and recurring motifs.

Leaving 25% of the book unread for now gives you something to look forward to. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement as you work towards completing your reading plan. When the time comes to return to this book, you will have a deeper appreciation for it, having already immersed yourself in the world of Haruki Murakami.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Rubin, an academic, here writes for a general audience in an engaging and easygoing style, much like the subject of this book does. This makes sense as Rubin is one of Murakami's translators.

Rubin takes us on a journey from the start of Murakami's writing career through his short-story collection, "after the quake". As he concludes this book, Rubin provides "clues" about what Murakami is working on, and the Murakami fan now knows it's "Kafka on the Shore".

For those who think Murakami writes about "nothing", Rubin has some revealing passages on "meaning". He acknowledges that Murakami is mostly about imagination and the rhythm of language, which perhaps explains the title and alludes to the references to music in his work. Murakami claims his style first developed because he wanted to write but had nothing to say. I think this may be true of his first novel, but it also seems a bit disingenuous as his work always seems to be at least about the individual trying to find his place in a chaotic world, a theme common among many writers.

I especially liked learning about Murakami's writing process. The man seems to be constitutionally unable to not write. And I gained a lot of knowledge about his "place" in Japan. As with many of his works, he is a paradox - both of, but even more extremely different from, his country.

It's best to read this if you've already read most of the works discussed here. Also, be sure to read Rubin's appendix on translation and re-translation - it's really interesting.

I don't usually read books about books.

I have this tendency to believe that books should be able to convey their own messages and that my personal interpretation holds just as much value as that of any so-called "academic / scholar."

However, when it comes to Jay Rubin's translations of Haruki Murakami novels like Wind up Bird from the original Japanese, I decided to make an exception.

And I'm truly glad I did. Rubin offers some remarkable insights into the Murakami catalogue.

I found his comments regarding the difficulties of translating from Japanese to English to be especially fascinating.

Now, I'm really curious to know what Rubin thought of Murakami's latest work, 1Q84.

For me, this particular book didn't quite meet my expectations.

I wonder if Rubin had a different perspective on it.

Maybe his in-depth knowledge of Murakami's writing style and the translation process could provide some interesting viewpoints.

I look forward to potentially reading more of Rubin's thoughts on Murakami's works in the future.

It's always interesting to see how different people interpret and analyze the same literary pieces.

Rubin's expertise in both Japanese and English literature makes his insights all the more valuable.

I hope he continues to share his thoughts and interpretations with the literary community.

If you are a lover of Murakami, then this is definitely a work that is well worth reading.

Murakami is widely regarded as a literary genius, and Rubin's book does an excellent job of highlighting this fact.

The book delves deep into Murakami's life, his writing process, and the unique world he creates through his words.

It explores the themes and motifs that run throughout his works, such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex and often confusing world.

Rubin's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for both die-hard Murakami fans and those new to his work to appreciate and understand the genius behind his writing.

Whether you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of Murakami's works or simply looking for an interesting and thought-provoking read, Rubin's book is sure to satisfy.

So, if you haven't already, be sure to pick up a copy and discover the magic of Murakami for yourself.

My ego and my intense desire for approval constantly whisper to me that, if given even the slightest opportunity, Haruki Murakami would surely find me to be outrageously hilarious and an absolute delight to be around. He would, without a doubt, consider me to be a great friend.

However, when I read a book like this, I am deeply saddened by the vast disparity that exists in our so-called "friendship." I know an abundance of details about Murakami-san. I am aware of his jazz bar, his special connection to cats, his humble beginnings in the world of writing, his resolute rejection of corporate culture, his sharp and keen sense of humor, his literary heroes, and all the fascinating insights he has shared about his work and life in numerous interviews. But the reality is that he knows practically nothing about me. If I were ever to have the chance to meet him again, I would probably tell him about my mundane 9-to-5 job, perhaps with a few exaggerations or even some lies thrown in for good measure.

Aside from Murakami, there are other authors with whom I can envision myself forming a deep and lasting friendship. These include the great Garcia Marquez, the brilliant Borges, and the visionary de Saint Exupéry. Each of them has a unique charm and talent that吸引着 me and makes me believe that a friendship with them would be both enriching and unforgettable.

A very informative and exhilarating read about Murakami's life and work from "Hear the Wind Sing" up to "After Dark" is presented. There are great excerpts from interviews and lectures. Even though I have read a large number of his works, it is only now that I feel I am closer to Haruki's point of view.

Perhaps there is too much focus on facts and anecdotes, and less text analysis. Also, his choice of music and in-depth exploration of themes could be enhanced. I would really love a chapter dedicated to his female characters. However, overall, if you are familiar with his novels and short stories, I would recommend this read.

It provides valuable insights into the mind and creative process of this renowned author, despite its few shortcomings. It allows readers to gain a better understanding of the evolution of Murakami's works and the influences that have shaped his unique literary style.

A masterpiece awaits those who are eager to explore the world of a great fiction and short story writer. This work not only provides a detailed summary of the writer's body of work but also offers a great synopsis of the back story that lies behind each and every creation.

For fans of Murakami, this is an absolute must-read. It delves deep into the mind and creative process of the author, uncovering the hidden inspirations and personal experiences that have shaped his unique literary style.

From the earliest inklings of an idea to the final polished piece, this exploration takes you on a journey through the evolution of some of the most beloved works in modern literature. Prepare to be captivated by the genius of this remarkable writer and gain a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling.

An excellent analysis of Murakami works through 2003 has been presented.

It truly makes me realize how much I am deprived of by not being able to read Japanese.

The detailed exploration of his works offers valuable insights into his unique writing style and the profound themes he delves into.

Moreover, the essay on translations and re-translations in the appendix serves as a capstone.

It provides an intimate look at Murakami's efforts not only as an author but also as a translator.

His meticulous attention to detail and his attempts to convey the essence of the original works in different languages are truly remarkable.

This appendix adds another layer of depth to the overall understanding of Murakami's literary contributions.

It makes one appreciate the complexity and artistry involved in the process of translation and how it can enhance or distort the original work.

Overall, this analysis and the appendix on translations offer a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Murakami's works and his role in the literary world.