A review by space_owl_
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

4.0

I loved this little story! It's a simple magical realist/horror-lite story that feels like a good mix of Kafka and Miyazaki (especially Spirited Away). I would say it's a great one for a young adult reader. I didn't mind that it was thematically light, because the world was just so much fun to uncover as the book went along. The publication itself is a strange one which adds to the fun, and I feel like the story wouldn't be as engaging without it. Every few pages have a graphic design-styled image that relates to the current moment in the story, and the book physically unfolds in a strange way. Just charming all around!

I have been reading a lot of Japanese contemporary fiction recently, finally trying a Murakami, and I'm excited to see what else he brings in larger formats. I saw Drive My Car a few years ago and was obsessed with it, so my pull toward his writing is strengthening with every piece of art connected to him that I come across.