Scan barcode
antigonereads's review against another edition
4.0
Sorry for falling asleep and dropping you in the bath. It wasn't personal...
laurel_boxy's review against another edition
3.0
Intensely human, and filled with some truly beautiful sentiments. Will definitely be investigating more Murakami, recommendations for which one next very much welcomed.
winterbinding's review against another edition
3.0
I'm incredibly tired after a long drive, but I want to put some thoughts down about this book, so here's my bullet point review:
- The writing is the biggest highlight. I really liked Murakami's matter-of-fact writing style, and even though it was maybe a bit dry sometimes, it made the book engaging. I was interested from beginning to end and I think it's his writing that really pulled that off, since the characters and story were really only secondary to that for me.
- It's not an action-heavy book. If anything I'd say the same things happen over and over, but there's a lot of introspection and a few moments where I thought to myself "huh, I guess I know that feeling," so I think Murakami achieved what he was trying to do.
- It definitely interested me in his other works. I've been putting off reading Murakami's novels because of places like /r/Books, where I feel like anyone and everyone will recommend Murakami at the drop of the hat, but if his other novels have the same sort of cadence as Norweigan Wood then I'm definitely intrigued. Maybe my skepticism was misplaced.
- It certainly isn't a happy book. That's not bad, but it's worth mentioning, I think, if anything as a heads up. Might not be best if you're in a tough spot yourself.
- The writing is the biggest highlight. I really liked Murakami's matter-of-fact writing style, and even though it was maybe a bit dry sometimes, it made the book engaging. I was interested from beginning to end and I think it's his writing that really pulled that off, since the characters and story were really only secondary to that for me.
- It's not an action-heavy book. If anything I'd say the same things happen over and over, but there's a lot of introspection and a few moments where I thought to myself "huh, I guess I know that feeling," so I think Murakami achieved what he was trying to do.
- It definitely interested me in his other works. I've been putting off reading Murakami's novels because of places like /r/Books, where I feel like anyone and everyone will recommend Murakami at the drop of the hat, but if his other novels have the same sort of cadence as Norweigan Wood then I'm definitely intrigued. Maybe my skepticism was misplaced.
- It certainly isn't a happy book. That's not bad, but it's worth mentioning, I think, if anything as a heads up. Might not be best if you're in a tough spot yourself.
skullcutter02's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jonnybrick's review against another edition
4.0
Tender love story with a creditable film adaptation. A window into Japanese culture.
mekybee's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn’t my first Murakami and I’m glad it wasn’t. The story doesn’t seem to go anywhere and the ending just left me feeling sad and confused. I love Murakami’s style and his way of looking at things from a completely unexpected angle. If this is your first time reading Murakami, please try some of his other books and don’t let this dark story deter you.
nessie_snail's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jzollinger0804's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first adventure into Murakami’s collection and I can’t wait to read more. This is a romance that feels timeless and current all at the same time. Very reminiscent at times of one of my favorite films, Harold and Maude!
nkaters's review against another edition
2.0
I've really enjoyed Murakami's fantasy/otherworldly novels but Norwegian Wood didn't really click for me. The way he writes about sex/sexuality and describes women (even from the POV of a young man in the 1960s) isn't my cup of tea. This is a straightforward coming-of-age novel that wasn't particularly compelling.