The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki MurakamiTotally engrossing. Transported by what I've read so far though all that has happened is a man looking for a cat and being approached by strange women. Read the first three chapters sitting in the bookstore. Must go back and buy the book.
I know that the novel's about the breakup of a marriage and about what happened in WWII, and am looking forward to reading more! Murakami knows how to get you involved in his character's thoughts. Masterful prose, even in translation.
Interesting...I've heard this book is difficult to the point of being almost inaccessible. That doesn't seem to be your take, though? Looking forward to what else you have to say...
ReplyDeleteGreg
http://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.com
Greg: So far, up to Chapter 4, it's very easy to read and understand. Some of the older Japanese writers might be harder to read, but Murakami is very contemporary.
ReplyDeleteI think I will read this one for my Japanese challenge. I did get Kafka on the Beach but I've read so many negative things about it that I'm just not willing to put my time into this one~!
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to tackle a Japanese author's work. This may be the one to try. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteStaci and septembermom: I can also recommend a shorter Murakami novel- After Dark, set in Tokyo at night, which is a good one to start with.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought this book too. I'm glad you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this book before (or the author), but it sounds intriguing. I've never read anything translated from Japanese. Looking forward to your full review.
ReplyDeleteSue
This one might be a novel to try out. Thanks for sharing it here.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm
This was my first Murakami. I read it years ago and have since read his other novels. For me, this is still the best one! And I don't think it's inaccessible at all. Very smoothly writter, he's a definitely one of the best living writers.
ReplyDeleteStaci: I've never read or seen anything negative about Murakami or Kafka on the Shore. Might you have the wrong writer in mind?
ReplyDeleteHmmm, he's not giving away anything yet, is he?
ReplyDeleteTea: A good place to find his books - the library! Doubt there are any give aways of his books!
ReplyDeleteI really liked his Norwegian Wood but never pursued any of his other works.
ReplyDeleteKristen: Am looking forward to reading Norwegian Wood after this one. Have heard good things about it.
ReplyDeletevery interesting review-I might make this my first read of Marukami's big books
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