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A review by domiohrens
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The minute i finished the book I knew that it had become my favorite book.
The plot is incredible, the characters are likable (except for Toru and literally any men in the book) and they feel real, you can easily relate to their emotions and the problems they have throughout the book. I read this book because its Harry Styles favorite book, I didn't know what I was getting into or how this book would change the way I read and enjoy books.
This book showcases how deep and difficult mental illnesses are and how trauma can change the way you live, think and feel. I loved all the characters deeply and shed many tears while reading. I find that Murkami is really good at describing the feelings the characters have, as well as situating the reader, in the ambiance of the place where the story develops. (It makes you feel like you're there with them)
I don't think ill ever love a character as much as I loved Naoko (which makes me question my mental stability/health lol). The women characters of this book are amazing and real, if you see them from the right lens. As a woman and feminist I never saw them the way Murkami intended to show them. The way you think truly changes the way you understand and read the book.
My favorite chapters werethe ones were Toru visted Naoko and Reiko. I loved how you get an "inside look" into their daily lives, activities and what they're feeling/working on.
At times some really weird stuff happened like when Wanatanbe and Reiko had goodbye sex in honor of Naoko ???? . The rating would be higher if Murkami wasn't a misogynist and often added too much detail to triggering/(uncomfortable to the reader) situations. At times some really weird stuff happened like when Toru and Reiko had goodbye sex in honor of Naoko ???? or when Reiko described what happened to her with her student . I hated the way Toru only saw women as a piece of meat that he can just have sex with, often the book portayed women like they were weak and defenseless and only a man (Toru with this shrimpy lol) could save them from their emotions and trauma.
I have to say that this book might not be for EVERYONE, to some people it may be boring, "too much" or "too dramatic/heavy". It also talks about serious issues that may trigger people. I recommend looking at the reviews and seeing the trigger warnings before you read it, just to know what you're getting into. If you're okay with all that I encourage you to read this book, you won't regret it and its really makes you think about your life and the people that you surround yourself with (also your mental health lmao).
The plot is incredible, the characters are likable (except for Toru and literally any men in the book) and they feel real, you can easily relate to their emotions and the problems they have throughout the book. I read this book because its Harry Styles favorite book, I didn't know what I was getting into or how this book would change the way I read and enjoy books.
This book showcases how deep and difficult mental illnesses are and how trauma can change the way you live, think and feel. I loved all the characters deeply and shed many tears while reading. I find that Murkami is really good at describing the feelings the characters have, as well as situating the reader, in the ambiance of the place where the story develops. (It makes you feel like you're there with them)
I don't think ill ever love a character as much as I loved Naoko (which makes me question my mental stability/health lol). The women characters of this book are amazing and real, if you see them from the right lens. As a woman and feminist I never saw them the way Murkami intended to show them. The way you think truly changes the way you understand and read the book.
My favorite chapters were
At times some really weird stuff happened like
I have to say that this book might not be for EVERYONE, to some people it may be boring, "too much" or "too dramatic/heavy". It also talks about serious issues that may trigger people. I recommend looking at the reviews and seeing the trigger warnings before you read it, just to know what you're getting into. If you're okay with all that I encourage you to read this book, you won't regret it and its really makes you think about your life and the people that you surround yourself with (also your mental health lmao).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Misogyny, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent