Reviews

ノルウェイの森 Vol. 1 by Haruki Murakami, Haruki Murakami, Haruki Murakami

chloknight's review against another edition

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

3.5

benaurelia's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

daliacp's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

bndryl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

amuleth's review against another edition

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1.0

Alright, this is the first time I write a review about a book but this one disappointed me so much I just need to let it out. This book was only about death, depression and sex. It was so dark and all the explicit scenes made me so uncomfortable. Especially the way it was written.
I wanted to drop this book after the first hundred pages but I kept saying to myself to give it a try. The story was so boring and nothing interesting happened. It was only about the guy having sex with mutliple women and thinking of his depressive "girlfriend".

timbothy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lenaschwr_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

probably should have read some of murakami’s other works first tbh 

karkei's review against another edition

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5.0

The narrative was absolutely captivating.
While hardly the most surprising plotline, Murakami is a genius at exploring emotions and connecting with his readers.

At every point of the book, I felt drawn in to find out how the story develops and a need to understand all these unique characters that have been created.

Through Watanabe’s non-judgemental eyes, I seem to see people and the world more clearly than ever before.

ellahan's review against another edition

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

3.0

yamat0_'s review against another edition

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5.0

When it comes to literature that captures the essence of human emotions and the intricacies of life, Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood" stands as an unparalleled masterpiece. With a heartwarming yet melancholic narrative, this novel takes readers on a journey through love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning, earning its well-deserved rating of 5/5.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Tokyo, the story revolves around Toru Watanabe, a young man grappling with the complexities of love and loneliness. Murakami's writing possesses a remarkable ability to evoke emotions, making you feel every nuance of Toru's experiences as he navigates the turbulent waters of youth and relationships.

One of the novel's most striking aspects is its portrayal of love. Murakami delves deep into the profound and often painful nature of love, exploring the impact it has on individuals' lives. Through his characters, he demonstrates how love can be both a source of joy and a catalyst for heartache, offering a realistic and relatable depiction that resonates with readers.

The characters themselves are incredibly well-crafted, each with their unique quirks and complexities. Toru's introspective and contemplative nature draws you into his world, while the enigmatic Naoko and vivacious Midori add layers of depth to the narrative. Their interactions are poignant and memorable, making you care deeply about their fates.

Furthermore, "Norwegian Wood" is not just a love story; it's a profound exploration of the human condition. Murakami addresses themes of mental health, identity, and the search for meaning in life, all wrapped in a beautifully written narrative that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.

The novel's title, a reference to The Beatles' song, becomes a symbol of nostalgia and longing throughout the story, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of the narrative. Murakami's prose is both elegant and thought-provoking, creating a sense of timelessness that ensures "Norwegian Wood" will remain relevant for generations to come.

In conclusion, "Norwegian Wood" is a timeless masterpiece that earns a perfect 5/5 rating. Haruki Murakami's storytelling prowess, combined with his deep understanding of human emotions, results in a novel that resonates with readers on a profound level. It's a book that you'll want to read again and again, discovering new layers of meaning with each revisit. If you haven't experienced the magic of "Norwegian Wood" yet, it's high time you do.