This one is as dark as your fears.

Murakami's writing has a unique allure that brings me a particular kind of comfort. It's not the traditional comfort associated with nature-painting or classical music. Instead, it's the comfort that stems from seeing the transparency of all the ugliness on the dark side of our being. Despite the seemingly dark and deadly nature of his writing, when I read his books, I can sense the subtle pink and peach hues of tenderness. This is the first book of Murakami that I have ever delved into.

There are numerous dark themes presented in this story. The detailed description of mental illness can be clearly seen through one of the main characters. The story feels incredibly real, yet it's as if I was already prepared to accept everything I was about to encounter. The characters are unapologetically themselves, and the character development is masterfully done. The pangs of being a human being are palpable while reading this. It's always challenging to express precisely how I feel about a full-fledged Murakami book. All I can do is write in details about how his books and writing make me feel, and even then, it always seems incomplete. I don't typically enjoy reading sad themes in books unless they make me feel something truly significant. I don't consciously seek out books that will make me feel lost, but Murakami's writing always has the power to make me float and fly. It has become a habit. I find myself craving his writing and his books from time to time. I especially enjoy his writing when I feel like I am an individual living in the midst of everyone and everything else that's happening, yet not feeling a part of them.

His books are not simply for my entertainment or enjoyment. They are essential for me to feel that I am a human being after all. His books are meant to make me realize that life is what it is. His writing makes me understand that there is beauty in pain, death, and heartbreaks – a kind of beauty that only Murakami can make me feel.

Why the one star less for this book?

I felt cheated towards the end of the book. Something impulsive occurred that I still cannot digest even after two years of reading it.

But mind you, this one ends well. Beautifully.

My reaction while reading most of the book was a mix of emotions, and especially when I reached the last 4 pages. Let me start by saying how much I adored the beginning. It was captivating, approximately until around page 150, I think. But after that, it was a downward spiral.

The characters were extremely damaged. Every single one of them seemed to have some sort of issue. I believe only the first roommate, Toru, who had the clean freak trait (ahhh Levi save me), was the most "normal" in the sense that he didn't have any obvious mental illness or personality disorder. However, I found the characters more pretentious than convincing. (This might be an unpopular opinion.) Probably most of them kept repeating how special they were or how miserable and gloomy they were, to the point where it became annoying and not very believable.

Can someone please explain to me the existence of Naoko in the book? She only seemed to fit the "main character's love interest" stereotype, with no real personality of her own, just someone who was wretched as hell. I understand isolation very well, but I just couldn't find myself connecting with the characters or caring about them.

Toru Watanabe is supposed to be the best guy you'll ever meet. Don't believe me? Don't worry! EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WILL REMIND YOU ABOUT IT :D He is so charming (and I really can't see the reason), that no one can resist him. He literally slept with all the females in the book except for Hatsumi. I'm surprised there wasn't a gay character who hit on him. Speaking of attraction, this brings me to my next point. Am I the only one who found the sex scenes disturbing? Also, I've lost count of all the times Toru was talking about his dick.

4 SUICIDES? WHY?

Last but not least, did anyone else notice the absence of families? I mean, yes, they spoke about their families, but not to their families. The only parent we catch a glimpse of is Midori’s father who literally dies a few pages later! And that too bothered me a bit.

And the ending, oh boy, it was so convenient! Maybe I'm a prude or a judgmental and narrow-minded person, but I think the book as a whole left me with a big "so what?" feeling. I'm not going to lie, there were parts that I loved. The writing was to my liking - except for the cringy descriptions and the annoying dialogues. I'm disappointed because I liked the beginning so much, I was hooked, and I really fancy realism, but that just wasn't enough.

PS: You were right. Next time I'll listen. ☹ This review is a mess, just like me after finishing this book.

Επίσης, είναι Σάκε! σΑκε! σΆκε. Got it?

This is apparently the Murakami book that "everyone" in Japan has read. The disaffected protagonist, Toru Watanabe, seems to be a Holden Caulfield-esque figure for many Japanese youth. However, to me, the book less reflects "Catcher in the Rye" and more predicts Zach Braff's "Garden State". It's an ode to a time in life when the big choices seem so overwhelming that one doesn't end up making them at all. Instead, one finds oneself drawn to the safety and comfort of nostalgia and memory.

Though set in Japan in the late '60s, it has a universal emotional current that feels completely timeless. It's darkly emotional yet surprisingly sexy and funny. Toru is the signature Murakami protagonist, just a few years younger than we're accustomed to seeing him. The women in the book have more presence and substance than in "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle", although they all seem a bit too eager to sleep with Toru, who kind of comes across as a loser.

And here's what really solidified the connection to "Garden State" in my mind. Midori, who is a fabulously entertaining character, is basically a stock manic pixie dream girl, with all the associated hangups, quirks, and buried secrets. It works better on the page because I never wanted to punch her in the face for doing hot dog dances or going on and on about The Shins.

I really wish I'd read this in college, just as I wish I'd read "Catcher in the Rye" in high school. But I still think it has appeal at any age.

\\n  “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” \\n

CAUTION: This isn't a love story

This was my very first foray into the captivating world of Murakami. Contrary to what some Murakami enthusiasts might lead you to believe, this isn't a clichéd, sappy love story. In fact, Haruki Murakami himself was rather bewildered by the popularity that this particular story managed to attain. This was mainly because the novel deviated significantly from the typical surrealist themes that are so closely associated with his other works. The fame that Norwegian Wood achieved had such a profound impact on the writer that he felt compelled to leave Japan. He embarked on a journey across Europe and also lived in the USA for a certain period. This experience ultimately led to the creation of \\n  Dance Dance Dance\\n.



Set in the swinging '60s, Norwegian Wood takes us on a meandering path through the thoughts and musings of Toru Watanabe. He looks back with a sense of longing and reflection to the days of his youth. During that time, he was actively involved in student protests and formed deep connections with various people. So, the burning question remains: is there really no love story in this novel? Well, there are indeed allusions to love, but it's not the central focus. Instead, the prime themes that pervade Norwegian Wood are loneliness, existential ennui, depression, and suicide. However, just like in most of Murakami's plots, these themes are presented with a certain degree of subtlety. The book has the power to make you delve deep into your own past at times, evoking strong feelings of nostalgia. I can wholeheartedly recommend this novel to readers of any genre or style of literature. It's a truly captivating and thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impression.



The novel was adapted into a film in 2010, further expanding its reach and impact.

“Letters are just pieces of paper,” I said. “Burn them, and what stays in your heart will stay; keep them, and what vanishes will vanish.”

While on a flight headed to Germany, Toru Watanabe hears the melody of The Beatles’ ‘Norwegian Wood’ and it triggers a flood of memories of his youth spent in Tokyo. It was a time filled with friendships that were both deep and fleeting, passion that burned bright and intense, loss that left a gaping hole, and desire that was both innocent and complex.

Written in a flashback style, Norwegian Wood predominantly centers around three main characters - Toru, Naoko, and Midori. The story is richly filled with atmosphere, history, and numerous references to music and literature. It is not just a story about love in all its various forms, but also about loss, the inevitability of mortality, and the arduous struggle to keep living in the face of death.

“Something inside me had dropped away, and nothing came in to fill the cavern.”

Murakami's writing is soft, lyrical, and seemingly effortless. The story itself is a strange concoction of heart-warming moments, a strange kind of romance, and heartbreak all rolled into one. It has the power to transport the reader to another time and place, haunting them long after they have finished reading. It is truly beautiful. I absolutely adored this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging read.

“What makes us the most normal,” said Reiko, “is knowing that we’re not normal.”

4.5

It might take me a while to find the right words to write something about Norwegian Wood.

All I can say now is that it's easily one of the best books I've ever read.

EDIT: I've been trying to find something to say for 2 months now but it's of no use.

Everything falls short and flat because I've mixed so much of my own life with the events and feelings present in this book.

Norwegian Wood has a unique charm that draws me in deeply.

The characters and their experiences are so vivid and relatable.

One thing is true, though, and it's that Norwegian Wood is a book that will mark this part of my life more than any other book I've come across.

I'll probably like other books more in the future, but now, at this exact moment, one day before my last physics test, two months before my college admission test and just a bit before my 19th birthday, nothing seems to come even close.

This book has become a part of my life, and I'll always cherish the memories and emotions it has evoked in me.

It's a literary masterpiece that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves to read.

Dudando entre 4,75 y 5, finalmente me decanto por una valoración de 5 estrellas. Aunque actualmente estoy pensando en empezar a valorar en una escala de 10 puntos, en este caso, la obra de Murakami merece sin duda alguna la máxima puntuación.

De manera sorprendente, Murakami construye una preciosa historia a partir de elementos que parecen insignificantes. La historia gira alrededor de los pasajes de la adolescencia del personaje, y estos momentos son descritos con una minuciosidad y una sensibilidad que merecen una reseña más amplia. La muerte se presenta como un telón de fondo constante, dándole a la historia una dimensión más profunda y emotiva.

Sin duda, esta obra es totalmente recomendable. Murakami tiene la capacidad de transportar al lector a un mundo mágico y poético, donde los sentimientos y las emociones se hacen palpable. Es una lectura que te hace reflexionar sobre la vida, la muerte y el amor, y que te deja con una sensación de satisfacción y plenitud.

The Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood" sets a certain mood with its lyrics. It tells a story of a encounter with a girl. He was in her room, which was like Norwegian wood. She asked him to stay and they talked over wine until late. But then things took an unexpected turn when he ended up sleeping in the bath. When he woke up, she was gone.

Haruki Murakami's novel "Norwegian Wood" is also a unique work. It's a love story that Murakami claims was a challenge for him to write as a "straight" story. His fans had different opinions, some seeing it as a betrayal. But for those who approach it without prejudice, like me, it reveals a story that is anything but simple.

The novel is a collection of impressions. The prose is sensual, with detailed descriptions of landscapes and weather. There's little exploration of inner mental states, yet it feels like a stream of consciousness turned outward. I've struggled to write a traditional review of this book, so instead, I'm sharing my impressions. Reading it is like experiencing different moments - sitting on the porch at twilight during the monsoon, waking up to an icy blast on a winter morning, or staying up late at a temple festival. It's a rich and immersive experience that I highly recommend.

Mmm... Hassan

The novel is good, but.

If you are looking for Kafka here, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Truly, Kafka can never be replaced or paralleled

in its madness, its philosophy, its fantasy, its obscenity and absurdity, its profoundness in everything.

But, Murakami remains as he is, a profound madman.

That novel of his is lovely. I wouldn't say it's extraordinary, but it's good. I was hesitant when approaching its end to give it a proper evaluation, and I had decided on two or three stars at most, because it's just a story, ordinary, full of obscenity, absurdity and ugliness and nothing more. But truly, the last thirty pages of it, literally, turned my opinion of the novel upside down.

When one of our loved ones dies, we think we are done, and that we have disappeared from time and existence, and that we have lost all the value and preciousness of this life. And this is true, but we are wrong when we think that this is the end of the cycle.

We are alive, of flesh and blood, and we must enjoy our lives - that short one - as much as possible. We must believe in the value of our lives, and not leave ourselves to time to toss us around here and there. We must invest our lives in something, and not stand in the middle of the road, silent and submissive. Life is hard, but the hardest thing is to die while we are still breathing the air.

This is what I found and extracted from that novel, regardless of any other considerations.

A good novel, and I think I read it at the right time.

I read it with guidance, so thank you for it.

The curse continues!

One star plot. Five star themes. I’m not sure how to rate the quality of the writing itself. It’s a rather complex situation. On one hand, it can be considered weak as there are certain aspects that lack the finesse and sophistication one might expect. However, on the other hand, there are moments of genuine poignancy and introspection that manage to touch the reader's heart and make them think deeply.

——-

I had a truly terrible reading month. It was filled with disappointments and books that failed to capture my interest. I was really hoping that this particular book would turn the tide and bring back the joy of reading for me. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing if it can live up to my expectations and break the curse that seems to have befallen my reading experience this month.

"Those were strange days, now that I look back at them. In the midst of life, everything revolved around death."

Welcome to Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. This is not just a tale of a bunch of suicidal perverts in Japanese universities as some might initially assume. In fact, this book delves deep into two fundamental aspects: sex and death. There are hidden meanings aplenty, but when you strip away the layers and get to the core, that's what remains. And oh, does the book have an abundance of sex, in rather weird forms. There's also a lot of death, and not in a pleasant way.

However, it's also an incredibly powerful book. It doesn't tell a grand and extraordinary story. Instead, it indulges in an exploration of the human mind and the stories concealed within the ordinary pasts of the ordinary people around us. The writing style may not be particularly special, but for some reason, I found it extremely captivating. There were moments when I simply couldn't bring myself to stop reading.

Part of what made this book so engaging was the relatability of the characters. All of them had both positive and negative aspects that I could identify within myself and those around me. My personal favorites were Nagasawa, who had this cool and almost Zen-like attitude despite being a bit of a selfish bastard, and Naoko, who was so deeply affected by a song that it made her imagine herself lost and alone in a cold and dark wood.

In the end, I'm at a loss for words when it comes to this book. At times, I liked it well enough. At other times, I hated it with a passion. And there were moments when I felt completely indifferent. If this book were representative of all of Murakami's works, I would never pick up another one of his books. But relax, Murakami fans, I know it's not.

Am I glad I read this book? Would I recommend it? The immediate answer that springs to mind for both questions is no. It can be incredibly depressing and actually took an emotional toll on me. Having finished it, I don't have the sense that this was a must-read book. It wasn't especially good, and it didn't convey an important message. But for some inexplicable reason, it was still worth reading, in a way.

That is, until the end. When I completed the book, I found myself wishing I had never read it. And after some reflection, I still stand by that. While it wasn't the worst book I've ever read, I can honestly say that I despise it now. I understand that many people love it, and that's perfectly fine. But please respect that this book hit me hard in the gut. It almost constantly oscillated between making me feel angry, sad, annoyed, and disgusted. Little else.

Other than that, we can't always explain why we feel the way we do about something, especially books. Sometimes it's best to just leave it behind and move on.

"The dead will always be dead, but we have to go on living."

ノルウェイの森 = Noruwei No Mori = Norwegian wood (1987), Haruki Murakami

Norwegian Wood is a captivating 1987 novel penned by the renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami. The story begins with a 37-year-old Toru Watanabe arriving in Hamburg, Germany. As he hears an orchestral rendition of the Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood," a wave of loss and nostalgia washes over him, transporting him back to the 1960s.

In those days, many events took place that deeply touched his life. Watanabe, along with his classmate Kizuki and Kizuki's girlfriend Naoko, were the closest of friends. Kizuki and Naoko shared a special bond, as if they were soulmates, and Watanabe was content to be their companion. However, this idyllic existence was shattered when Kizuki committed suicide on his 17th birthday. The loss of Kizuki had a profound impact on both Watanabe and Naoko.

Watanabe felt the presence of death everywhere, while Naoko seemed to have lost an essential part of herself. The two of them started spending more time together, going for long walks on Sundays. But their feelings for each other remained unspoken. On the night of Naoko's 20th birthday, in a moment of vulnerability, they had sex. Watanabe realized that Naoko was a virgin. Afterward, Naoko left him a letter, saying that she needed some time apart and was quitting college to enter a sanatorium.

Meanwhile, at Watanabe's college, the students went on strike, demanding a revolution. However, inexplicably, they ended the strike and acted as if nothing had happened, which enraged Watanabe, seeing it as a sign of hypocrisy. During this time, Watanabe befriended a drama classmate, Midori Kobayashi. Midori was the complete opposite of Naoko – outgoing, vivacious, and full of self-confidence.

Despite his love for Naoko, Watanabe found himself attracted to Midori as well. Their friendship grew during Naoko's absence. Watanabe visited Naoko at the secluded mountain sanatorium near Kyoto, where he met Reiko Ishida, an older patient who had become Naoko's confidante. During his visits, Reiko and Naoko shared more about their past, including the causes of their downfalls and personal tragedies.

When Watanabe returned to Tokyo, he unintentionally distanced himself from Midori due to his lack of consideration for her and his continued thoughts of Naoko. He wrote to Reiko, seeking advice about his conflicting feelings for both women. Reiko counseled him to seize the opportunity for happiness and see where his relationship with Midori would lead. However, a later letter informed Watanabe that Naoko had committed suicide.

Grieving and in a daze, Watanabe wandered aimlessly around Japan, while Midori, with whom he had lost touch, wondered what had happened to him. After about a month of wandering, he returned to the Tokyo area and got in touch with Reiko, who left the sanatorium to visit him. The middle-aged Reiko stayed with Watanabe, and they had sex. Through this experience and their intimate conversation that night, Watanabe realized that Midori was the most important person in his life.

After seeing Reiko off, Watanabe called Midori to declare his love for her. Midori asked, "Where are you now?" and the novel ends with Watanabe pondering that question, leaving the reader to wonder about the future of their relationship.