jakewelch • read

07/10/2024 – 07/16/2024 – This was an interesting reading experience for me. My third Murakami, and one of his few if only books without supernatural undertones, I both really enjoyed this and was disappointed in this. I discussed my feelings with some folks online who've read Murakami as well, and it seems to be a common sentiment that the first Murakmi is the best, but as you read more of his novels, certain patterns and tropes become evident, including loser male protagonists who, somehow, have women throwing themselves at them, one-note love interests, strange and graphic sexual fantasies, often veering into the realms of hebephilia; I think it's kind of obvious that Murakami is inserting himself into his novels. Norwegian Wood had the elements that bring me back to his books, incredibly easy and charming to read. The experience is almost meditative, and its easy to get washed away. I found the themes to be difficult yet profound, often heart wrenching. Love and suicide. In the end, I'd say I enjoyed this, and I might even recommend it as a good first Murakami read depending on the person. But I also found myself rolling my eyes on the regular, and the main character might have been my least favorite so far. I give the book a 3.5/5.