Norwegian Wood
From the bestselling author of Kafka on the Shore: A magnificent coming-of-age story steeped in nostalgia, "a masterly novel" (The New York Times Book Review) blending the music, the mood, and the ethos that were the sixties with a young man's hopeless and heroic first love. Now with a new introduction by the author.
Toru, a serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. As Naoko retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman. Stunning and elegiac, Norwegian Wood first propelled Haruki Murakami into the forefront of the literary scene.
Toru, a serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. As Naoko retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman. Stunning and elegiac, Norwegian Wood first propelled Haruki Murakami into the forefront of the literary scene.
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Community Reviews
Haruki Murakami’s “Norwegian Wood” is a love story that is rooted in the male perspective. That said, it makes an earnest attempt to show the deeply flawed way men try to understand women. Especially, as it relates to trying to “fix her.” A theme that Murakami hits upon throughout the novel. The same core analysis also gets turned on its head at points. Murakami asks us, through the multiple “what do you want” conversations, if anyone can ever really understand themselves.
These simple questions and more are explored in a world brought to life in painstaking detail. Murakami’s way of creating environments you get fully immersed in is almost without equal. In this one, music, food, and literature make this fictional story more tactile. Once the environment is established, he effortlessly pulls you into the most sensitive topics through his characters’ words and actions. The experiences become psychologically engrossing and cause you to slip between reading and reliving your own life.
I wished I could have experienced Toru’s love-worn journey when I was about the same point in life. This coming-of-age story has some perspective-shifting lessons on understanding others and oneself that a young mind needs to know. Especially when still finding your place in the world. I know much of its dialogue and character interactions will seem far-fetched and dated today. However, it challenges us to face the world as it is, and remains timeless in doing so.
I simply could not put this book down. In fact, I realize that everything else in the world blurs out while I’m engrossed in a Murakami novel. I fully see why this one in particular is the quintessential Murakami book loved by millions over. Even today, this mid-century Tokyo story seems universally accessible and relevant. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to pick up my next Murakami book.
I read Murakami's Kafka on the Shore and gave it 5 stars. This one just didn't do it for me.
The blurb on the back of the book mentions the blending of the music, mood and 60s culture, but I didn't feel that the music references added much to the book at all. I guess I was prepared for the constant mentioning of music pieces after reading Kafka on the Shore, but it doesn't really add anything here. In fact, because the chosen pieces and lyrics have little to do with the novel, it's a bit distracting. There are about 24 instances of specific pieces being named, and one of those has 51 pieces being played at one occasion.
The women in the novel are mostly emotionally weak. They can't seem to survive without their men. The men are deeply devoted on one hand, and slaves to their sexual desires on the other. None of these people are enjoying life. The book doesn't have the beautiful prose of Kafka on the Shore, or the strange concept; it's just a depressing story reminding us that suicide is contagious, and dashed dreams can be debilitating.
The blurb on the back of the book mentions the blending of the music, mood and 60s culture, but I didn't feel that the music references added much to the book at all. I guess I was prepared for the constant mentioning of music pieces after reading Kafka on the Shore, but it doesn't really add anything here. In fact, because the chosen pieces and lyrics have little to do with the novel, it's a bit distracting. There are about 24 instances of specific pieces being named, and one of those has 51 pieces being played at one occasion.
The women in the novel are mostly emotionally weak. They can't seem to survive without their men. The men are deeply devoted on one hand, and slaves to their sexual desires on the other. None of these people are enjoying life. The book doesn't have the beautiful prose of Kafka on the Shore, or the strange concept; it's just a depressing story reminding us that suicide is contagious, and dashed dreams can be debilitating.
The sadness and thoughts of the protagonist got to me pretty soon. Interesting characters and a timeline of Japan I wasnt familiar with which made the imaginations fun. I liked the somber tint in all the pages. The ending was expected though you'd find yourself wanting the opposite for the characters. But it was the right one I believe. Few parts of the ending did not sit well with me but it was an entertaining read nonetheless.
One of my favorites. At first it might seem boring, but when you feel the vibe, you can't stop! Love it!
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