A review by n_asyikin_
Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
TW: sexual assaults; underage sex; sexual content; suicide; ableism
What a book. At the end of my read, I felt this tiny pressure just behind my chest, & I knew that these characters & their stories would linger.
It was the sort of story that you want to take your time with; I found myself as if I was a third person in between conversations, or the person privy to Watanabe's intimately complex humanly thoughts. Norwegian Wood was one of those reads for me that went beyond just storytelling; I don't know how to explain it, except the writing was so otherworldly yet it grounded you securely upon earth.
Murakami & Rubin infused an individual with their surroundings, marrying wisdom inspired by nature to be reflected upon one's conscious contemplation; it was a work which disintegrate any physical boundaries that led you to a cosmic discovery.
These characters were trying to work through the rhythm of life and death; trying to understand the physical & psychic interactions between people. The depictions of the manifestations on how people approached those (frankly) rhetorical conundrums were brilliantly depicted through the parallel & contrast between the characters.
And I have to say, of all the characters, I adored Midori the most. I loved how unfiltered & unforgiving she was. She was a bright soul inspite of her storms; most conversations involving Midori & Watanabe immediately put me at ease; those two together brought about lightness to being. I think, whereby Watanabe tend to get stuck in melancholic rumination, Midori forced him to live in the present. She was never fearful of her emotions, or needs; Watanabe caring for her was the tenderness that she needed in the chaos of her world.
There was also Reiko. The wise Reiko reached out to me like a mentor she was to Watanabe. Her stoicism was a possible route Watanabe could take, providing pragmatism in Watanabe's tautology.
Sex was central to this story. It reflected a mean for human interaction.
Norwegian Wood will make you contemplate. It felt like having the stories of the universe contained within these casts of individuals. What more can I say except, this book is beauty in every shape & sense of the word.
What a book. At the end of my read, I felt this tiny pressure just behind my chest, & I knew that these characters & their stories would linger.
It was the sort of story that you want to take your time with; I found myself as if I was a third person in between conversations, or the person privy to Watanabe's intimately complex humanly thoughts. Norwegian Wood was one of those reads for me that went beyond just storytelling; I don't know how to explain it, except the writing was so otherworldly yet it grounded you securely upon earth.
Murakami & Rubin infused an individual with their surroundings, marrying wisdom inspired by nature to be reflected upon one's conscious contemplation; it was a work which disintegrate any physical boundaries that led you to a cosmic discovery.
These characters were trying to work through the rhythm of life and death; trying to understand the physical & psychic interactions between people. The depictions of the manifestations on how people approached those (frankly) rhetorical conundrums were brilliantly depicted through the parallel & contrast between the characters.
Spoiler
For example, Reiko & Naoko contrasting approaches to the relationships in their lives while managing their illnesses; Watanabe & Nagasawa's view on sex; Watanabe's relationship with Naoko & Midori's relationship with Watanabe.And I have to say, of all the characters, I adored Midori the most. I loved how unfiltered & unforgiving she was. She was a bright soul inspite of her storms; most conversations involving Midori & Watanabe immediately put me at ease; those two together brought about lightness to being. I think, whereby Watanabe tend to get stuck in melancholic rumination, Midori forced him to live in the present. She was never fearful of her emotions, or needs; Watanabe caring for her was the tenderness that she needed in the chaos of her world.
Spoiler
My heart broke for her; she deserved happiness - but then again, that's living. And I liked to believe that somehow, she did found them eventually. Though perhaps to Midori, Watanabe may well be her Naoko.There was also Reiko. The wise Reiko reached out to me like a mentor she was to Watanabe. Her stoicism was a possible route Watanabe could take, providing pragmatism in Watanabe's tautology.
Sex was central to this story. It reflected a mean for human interaction.
Spoiler
It was "used" to curb loneliness, or even reflect developmental apathy (e.g., Nagasawa's disregard, I suspected though not excusing, was influenced by his father's own disregard towards romantic relationship, & perhaps, neglect; even Watanabe's initial approach on sex); also, reflecting a connection between people, the consummation of an establishing/established bond. I guess it reflected a sort of exchange, whether for physical pleasure or a sort of promising assuarance. I think sex was Watanabe's escapism from the weight of the world.Norwegian Wood will make you contemplate. It felt like having the stories of the universe contained within these casts of individuals. What more can I say except, this book is beauty in every shape & sense of the word.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Ableism, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent