This is truly worth getting your hands on, even if it's just for the amazing short story "Landscape with Flatiron". Seriously, this guy has some serious writing skills.

Sometimes, some of his works might appeal to me more than others, but overall, I'm completely amazed by his talent and the sheer volume of his output.

Lately, I find myself being more drawn to shorter stories. I have less patience for the modern grand master narrative of the epic novel. Instead, I prefer the more fragmented, shorter, leaner, and meaner postmodern narrative in the form of the short story.

Once again, "Landscape with Flatiron", the second short story in this collection, is an instant classic. It's one of the best short stories I have ever read.

His writing in this story is so vivid and engaging that it transports you to another world. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you're a fan of short stories or just good writing in general, then you need to check out this collection. You won't be disappointed.

Mostly the stories are related tangentially to the quake/aftermath of the quake (Kobe, 1995).

I think Murakami very much captures the sort of surrealness that people's lives take after a big disaster. There is the unease that lingers in the air, like a thick fog that refuses to dissipate. Even those not directly affected by the quake experience a disruption to their regular daily life. The once-familiar routine is now broken, and a sense of strangeness pervades everything. It's as if there is a hiccup in the "normal" world, and Murakami is a master at capturing these types of feelings in his stories.

His writing has a unique ability to transport readers into the minds and hearts of the characters, making them feel the full impact of the disaster and its aftermath. Whether it's the confusion, the fear, or the sense of loss, Murakami portrays these emotions with such vividness and authenticity that it's impossible not to be moved.

Overall, I highly recommend his works for anyone interested in exploring the human experience in the face of disaster.

With humor, mystery, metaphors, literary references, and music, Murakami tells the stories of various people after the earthquake and how it affects their lives!

Five enjoyable stories like fairy tales for adults in the well-known style of the author!

Murakami's writing is a unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary. His use of vivid imagery and engaging language draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from beginning to end. Each story in this collection offers a different perspective on life after a disaster, exploring themes such as loss, hope, and the power of human connection.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Murakami or new to his work, these stories are sure to delight and inspire. So sit back, relax, and let the master storyteller take you on a journey through the lives of his unforgettable characters.