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kiran_ashraf 's review for:
After Dark
by Haruki Murakami
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After Dark is a quick yet immersive read, perfect for busy schedules. Despite not being a fast reader, I finished it in a day, which was unbelievable for me.
What stood out immediately was the nocturnal setting; night-time has always been my favourite part of the day, and Murakami captures its eerie, introspective energy perfectly. The story unfolds in both real-time and the metaphysical, which I found absolutely fascinating.
In my opinion, After Dark doesn’t revolve around a single protagonist. Instead, we follow interconnected characters of Mari Asai, Eri Asai, Takahashi, and others, each carrying their own past traumas, struggles, and quiet existential musings. Some characters appear only briefly, yet their stories subtly interconnect throughout the night.
Some readers might find the book’s philosophical depth confusing, especially with its open-ended conclusion. But Murakami masterfully mirrors real-life struggles through symbolism and metaphor. I found myself nodding at many moments, like when he mentioned the unfair comparisons between siblings, the way society reduces people to their appearances, and how women have to constantly be on guard even in public spaces, while men can easily exist. These details were so accurate, adding a layer of dark realism to the dreamlike narrative.
If you’re looking for a concise yet richly layered story, After Dark is a fantastic choice. It’s not for everyone because Murakami’s style can be divisive, but if you enjoy introspective dialogue, atmospheric settings, and social commentary wrapped in surrealism, you’ll likely appreciate this book.
What stood out immediately was the nocturnal setting; night-time has always been my favourite part of the day, and Murakami captures its eerie, introspective energy perfectly. The story unfolds in both real-time and the metaphysical, which I found absolutely fascinating.
In my opinion, After Dark doesn’t revolve around a single protagonist. Instead, we follow interconnected characters of Mari Asai, Eri Asai, Takahashi, and others, each carrying their own past traumas, struggles, and quiet existential musings. Some characters appear only briefly, yet their stories subtly interconnect throughout the night.
Some readers might find the book’s philosophical depth confusing, especially with its open-ended conclusion. But Murakami masterfully mirrors real-life struggles through symbolism and metaphor. I found myself nodding at many moments, like when he mentioned the unfair comparisons between siblings, the way society reduces people to their appearances, and how women have to constantly be on guard even in public spaces, while men can easily exist. These details were so accurate, adding a layer of dark realism to the dreamlike narrative.
If you’re looking for a concise yet richly layered story, After Dark is a fantastic choice. It’s not for everyone because Murakami’s style can be divisive, but if you enjoy introspective dialogue, atmospheric settings, and social commentary wrapped in surrealism, you’ll likely appreciate this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual violence, Blood, Trafficking
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, Death of parent