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A review by cpreeta6
After Dark by Haruki Murakami
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Okay, I am now starting to realize why people say that Murakami is at his best in short books. This book was all about the atmosphere. The fact that the whole book takes place over the course of one night, "after dark" was a clever idea. You could never tell where the surreal and the mundane overlapped. The book makes you think, and question what you read. The conversations are philosophical at times, but hell, who isn't a bit philosophical in the middle of the night?
That out one thing towards the end gave me the ick - it was totally unnecessary, and most people who have read the book would agree. Otherwise, I really liked it, and it was a solid read. It was unlike, yet completely like him to write a book like this one. I am always surprised at the difference between his books and their themes. It completely follows his writing style, but the story? It almost feels like the same person could not have thought of After Dark and say, Killing Commandatore, my favorite among all his books.
The prose was beautiful, and the use of present tense throughout the book made me feel the time ticking away. Also, as the book is a short one, I finished it in one sitting, which augmented that feeling. The reference to the reader as a camera was a bit unnerving, and did break the trance the book put me in at times.
Overall, I believe it takes a spot in the top books I have read by Murakami.
That out one thing towards the end gave me the ick - it was totally unnecessary, and most people who have read the book would agree. Otherwise, I really liked it, and it was a solid read. It was unlike, yet completely like him to write a book like this one. I am always surprised at the difference between his books and their themes. It completely follows his writing style, but the story? It almost feels like the same person could not have thought of After Dark and say, Killing Commandatore, my favorite among all his books.
The prose was beautiful, and the use of present tense throughout the book made me feel the time ticking away. Also, as the book is a short one, I finished it in one sitting, which augmented that feeling. The reference to the reader as a camera was a bit unnerving, and did break the trance the book put me in at times.
Overall, I believe it takes a spot in the top books I have read by Murakami.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Physical abuse, Blood, and Death of parent