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A review by sapientreader
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
4.0
Beautiful. Thoughtful. Heartbreaking
This was my first Murakami book and my first Japanese novel. It was a great experience. The culture, the people, the way people are has been showed quite profoundly.
I couldn't really relate to any of these characters, they were of totally different mentality than any one I know. But this was a strong point in the book, made me learn so much.
The book started brilliantly and took hold of me. It is written in such a beautiful way, makes every littke thing look significant. The dramatic effect in the writing was at its peak. I totally got lost in those woods, soft music and peaceful scenarios.
It is a love story but between who? It didn't go too well with me how Watanabe just switched between girls. I really wanted him to end up Naoko. I believe if he was a bit more patient, Naoko would have been cured. Naoko's condition was a bit weird to me. I really couldn't understand. She was giving too much time and thoughts to what was gone. I initially assumed that she was to be blamed for the death of Kizuki, which wasn't the case of course. It annoyed me though. But I liked her anyways. Exactly why did Kizuki killed himself? That was left a bit unexplained to be honest.
Midori was a one weird character too ! Are there people actually present? She was fun though ! I have my doubts that Midori and Watanabe actually ended together. He was on a plane to Germany right? Probably alone.
My only complain how casual sex was presented in the story. But again, that just how it might be in Japan
All in all, the story taught me a things or two about life.
Definitely going reading more of Haruki Muraki !
This was my first Murakami book and my first Japanese novel. It was a great experience. The culture, the people, the way people are has been showed quite profoundly.
I couldn't really relate to any of these characters, they were of totally different mentality than any one I know. But this was a strong point in the book, made me learn so much.
The book started brilliantly and took hold of me. It is written in such a beautiful way, makes every littke thing look significant. The dramatic effect in the writing was at its peak. I totally got lost in those woods, soft music and peaceful scenarios.
Spoiler
It is a love story but between who? It didn't go too well with me how Watanabe just switched between girls. I really wanted him to end up Naoko. I believe if he was a bit more patient, Naoko would have been cured. Naoko's condition was a bit weird to me. I really couldn't understand. She was giving too much time and thoughts to what was gone. I initially assumed that she was to be blamed for the death of Kizuki, which wasn't the case of course. It annoyed me though. But I liked her anyways. Exactly why did Kizuki killed himself? That was left a bit unexplained to be honest.
Midori was a one weird character too ! Are there people actually present? She was fun though ! I have my doubts that Midori and Watanabe actually ended together. He was on a plane to Germany right? Probably alone.
My only complain how casual sex was presented in the story. But again, that just how it might be in Japan
All in all, the story taught me a things or two about life.
Definitely going reading more of Haruki Muraki !