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A review by koberreads
South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A great read for those who love great prose and are married (I am not married yet but I do feel the story is set up for the married man or woman. Don't worry, I didn't spoil it because it is in the book description already.)
It is one of his best raw prose of Murakami regarding human nature and the unexpected desires that come out of oneself. It is also largely a love story of infidelity that would be more relatable to a married man or woman which at the same can be a tale of warning of what to do or not to do. but poetic and reflective enough for any reader. But I guess if you are married while reading this or longing for your childhood love to emerge into your adult life then this would most likely be a masterpiece for you because the poetry and feelings of each word would be tenfold an experience for you.
But for a guy who doesn't have those things. Another reflective novel for me. I have an odd preference “to reflect” so forgive me for liking the book because of that.
Also, read well the part about insider trading. Know what is and do it
Also goddamn, let it go, and don't cheat man.
If you are questioning who you are because of this book, I have a proposition from Rupert Spira:
The awareness that is aware of the depression, loneliness, or sense of lack that you have, is the same awareness that also feels excitement or a positive thought
That's who you are, the awareness. The ever-present, complete, and in always pristine condition no matter what you felt before, whatever you are feeling right now, and whatever you will be feeling in the future, you will always be aware, no matter what in its pristine condition. It is also the happiness we all seek. But sadly we seek it in things or other people, in this case, Hajime looks for it in his mysterious unstable childhood love
If you feel like the feeling right now is not to your liking or feel you are weighed down by it. It's just a thought. There are no bad or good thoughts/feelings. Just helpful and unhelpful ones, you can always choose which thought or feeling to feed.
Go pick-up Rupert Spira book "Being aware of being aware" book if you want a deep dive on this or want some clarification after feeling lonely and lost in a book that makes you such in the end.
It is one of his best raw prose of Murakami regarding human nature and the unexpected desires that come out of oneself. It is also largely a love story of infidelity that would be more relatable to a married man or woman which at the same can be a tale of warning of what to do or not to do. but poetic and reflective enough for any reader. But I guess if you are married while reading this or longing for your childhood love to emerge into your adult life then this would most likely be a masterpiece for you because the poetry and feelings of each word would be tenfold an experience for you.
But for a guy who doesn't have those things. Another reflective novel for me. I have an odd preference “to reflect” so forgive me for liking the book because of that.
Also, read well the part about insider trading. Know what is and do it
Also goddamn, let it go, and don't cheat man.
If you are questioning who you are because of this book, I have a proposition from Rupert Spira:
The awareness that is aware of the depression, loneliness, or sense of lack that you have, is the same awareness that also feels excitement or a positive thought
That's who you are, the awareness. The ever-present, complete, and in always pristine condition no matter what you felt before, whatever you are feeling right now, and whatever you will be feeling in the future, you will always be aware, no matter what in its pristine condition. It is also the happiness we all seek. But sadly we seek it in things or other people, in this case, Hajime looks for it in his mysterious unstable childhood love
If you feel like the feeling right now is not to your liking or feel you are weighed down by it. It's just a thought. There are no bad or good thoughts/feelings. Just helpful and unhelpful ones, you can always choose which thought or feeling to feed.
Go pick-up Rupert Spira book "Being aware of being aware" book if you want a deep dive on this or want some clarification after feeling lonely and lost in a book that makes you such in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt