A review by jennyreadssometimes
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

emotional reflective relaxing sad slow-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

4.5

Overall a great read. It was a sad, nostalgic and very raw story with its main focus the difference in relationship dynamic between the main character, Watanabe, and two love interests in his life who are very different. 
I had initially expected it to be a bit more of an inspirational story about overcoming mental illness, so I was quite taken back by the unexpected twist of Naoko taking her own life at the end, but I think that made it more thought provoking as it became really reflective of how Watanabe himself dealt with loss.
 
I've heard things before about Murakami's writing style being slightly objectifying of women, however I didn't feel that with this read. I enjoyed that I resonated with the vulnerability of all the characters and grieved over the parts that didn't work out. It reminded me in some ways of my own grief journey and for that I thought it was quite cathartic.
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