A review by sedgewren
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

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

3.25

This was my first Murakami novel, having picked it up in a charity shop.  I went in without any expectations, and I was enthralled by his beautiful use of words, his metaphors that perfectly captured what it felt like to be lonely/lost/confused/nostalgic etc.  I recognise that Murakami is renowned for his surrealist writing, weaving mysterious magical elements into the characters' familiar and relatable everyday lives.  However, I still felt very bewildered towards the end - I guess the whole point is to make the reader reflect on the uncertainty of life, but I prefer books that have a conclusive ending.  That's my own personal taste - the only way to find out if you might like this book is to read it!  I'll definitely pick up more Murakami in the future.
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