A review by omligda
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

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

3.5

This was an interesting read. I did feel a connection to every character, but that’s not to say I liked them all. Toru’s blind acceptance of his actions affecting the emotions of others like Midori was frustrating. Everything in this book came with a pessimistic outlook that was cloaked in a layer of ambivalence. I was able to feel a lot of Naoko’s frustrated despair throughout the novel as she was unable to find peace within herself. The battles these characters fight with themselves are what keep this book so relevant even 60 years past when it’s set. In all, I enjoyed this book for its good and its bad and i would read it again for a second insight. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings