I've read three Murakami novels in the past few weeks, and I think he really is best when he gets to the heart of the matter without all the frou frou technical aspects of writing. It's the same story -- where does love live in our consciousness? -- but from different sensitivities. "Kafka on the Shore" really didn't do it for me -- too meta and referential to past literatures. It felt more like an homage to past loves and the idea of fate. I guess I don't agree with that. I don't really think anything is predestined, but I do believe in "meant to-be"s. Don't even know if that makes sense anymore. I think Murakami is most appealing when he shows how much work you have to put into love and how mistakes are possible and intrinsic. Maybe I just don't have that same awe of him anymore, now that I realize he writes about the same topic over and over again. He's human, and it seems like, deeply, awkwardly introspective. Which can be nice and comforting, too.
currently listening to:
Unforgettable
Nat King Cole
xx t
6 comments:
is there a reason this post is right aligned?
no. i can't be artsy like you okay? hahah
Have you read "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles"? If not, allow me to recommend it to you. Best Murakami I've read. Even better than "Norwegian Wood"
Just finished Norwegian Wood and it's my least favorite so far - it was like a grown-up Catcher in the Rye at times, but mostly just a male fantasy. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles is fantastic. Next up - The Elephant Vanishes.
This is sort of late, but Ben, Claire and I went through a serious Murakami phase about a year ago, and I blogged about reading "Wind Up Bird Chronicles" while I was reading it... there's a few posts on it. :)
http://bookstylist.blogspot.com/2008/12/wind-up-bird-chronicle.html
http://bookstylist.blogspot.com/2008/12/skinned-alive.html
http://bookstylist.blogspot.com/2008/12/deaths.html
Post a Comment