Reviews

For years, I've always wanted to read this book. One, because it's Murakami, and two, because my professor wrote a book on this. It may not have become my favorite Murakami (that's still Kafka), but I did enjoy it. This book has some of my most favorite elements: dual POVs that seemed unrelated and gradually meet in the middle; the idea of a whole other world where everything is "perfect," but stagnant; and, of course, a typical Murakami MMC.

Reading a Murakami book is like a puzzle. The first 20-25% is always confusing because he struggles to get on his footing, and as a reader, I have no idea where each piece of the puzzle goes, but as the picture is gradually forming, I find a sense of belonging in the story and relate better to the characters.

maxycat's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Funny but very existential.

mmariela's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Mind blown. Literally.

fvanessagan's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

midorii's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It took me really long to finish this book. Now looking back at it it is an amazing book. While you read it though you don’t really realize the story. It took me almost 4/6 of the book to ACTUALLY understand what the story is about. It was my first time reading Murakami and I also know, this isn’t his best work. I will read his other books despite how confused I was about this one. But I was really hoping for more. Especially for the finale of this book

epimetheus_b's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Beautifully written, engrossing and surreal. In my mind, Murakami compares favorably with Eco, Calvino and Borges.

laurenleannereads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

More...