A review by xsamwise
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

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

2.0

Honestly, this book would've been 4 stars if not for the ending.

The ending completely ruined my opinion of Watanabe and the book overall. Loss and grief are a key component of the story, and I found it very relatable. I was really glad I chose to read this book at this point in time in my life because it brought up thoughts and emotions that were challenging for me to work through.

I was already considering reading it again because so many of Watanabe's feelings mirrored my own (especially the "winding my spring" portion), but the ending was honestly.... disgusting. I found it so gross that
Watanabe and Reiko sleep together, multiple times, following Reiko's suicide and Watanabe's realization that he loves Midori. I lost all respect for both characters. It felt like a complete betrayal. Especially how right after, he reaches out to Midori to profess his love? Like, you just slept with someone else the night before.
I get he's young and grief effects people differently, but this is completely inexcusable to me. It's giving "boys will be boys".... ick.

There were so many important sections, especially near the end, that I bookmarked but it's so hard for me to overlook the ending.
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