Your essay on Haruki Murakami was a joy to read. Your clear and insightful capture of his complex blend of reality and surrealism was particularly impressive. I particularly appreciated how you touched on his Western influences while acknowledging his Japanese roots.
Jon, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. It means a great deal that you always take the time to read and share your thoughts. Thanks my friend.
Vintage now has a 3-volume set for 1Q84 that makes it easier to handle. I believe in Japan this is a common thing for bigger books. I also appreciate e-books from the library for big titles!
I have seen those 3-volume sets before and I think that is how it was originally published in Japan. I guess the U.S. just has a thing for giant books!
Thanks Tiffany. The great thing about literature is the abundance of good authors in a wide range of styles. It is like a big Sunday buffet, you don't have to like everything but you are sure to find something you will enjoy.
Every year, when the winner of the year's Nobel Prize for Literature is about to be announced, Murakami's fans gather to celebrate in case he wins.
I've read a couple of his books but of all the major Japanese writers I've read, I find him the least interesting. I don't really know whay that is. But it's great to read your essay giving a very diffrent point of view! Who knows, I might give him another try...
Jeffrey, thanks for reading. I had heard about Murakami's fans doing that and I know he always seems to be in the discussion. While I am obviously a fan, and have read almost all of his works, I am not sure I would consider him Nobel material. But I am not on the selection committee so who knows!
I will be honest that my experience of reading Japanese writers is limited to Murakami and Osamu Dazai. It is an area I feel very lacking in. I know you lived there for some time. Who would you recommend if I want to expand my horizons a bit?
My own knowledge of Japanese literature is still very limited. But I'd recommend Yoko Ogawa (maybe start with the "Housekeeper and the Professor") and the writer who did win the Nobel, Yasunari Kawabata ("Snow Country" is his classic work, widely admired, especially for the magnificent opening).
Noreen that is fantastic! Which books do you have? My favorites are 1Q84, Killing Commendatore, and Kafka on the Shore, however, those tend towards the weird end of his spectrum of writing.
Megan, thank you for reading and commenting. It means so much. I hope others will find as much joy in reading his works as I have. Thanks for being here.
Your essay on Haruki Murakami was a joy to read. Your clear and insightful capture of his complex blend of reality and surrealism was particularly impressive. I particularly appreciated how you touched on his Western influences while acknowledging his Japanese roots.
Jon, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. It means a great deal that you always take the time to read and share your thoughts. Thanks my friend.
Vintage now has a 3-volume set for 1Q84 that makes it easier to handle. I believe in Japan this is a common thing for bigger books. I also appreciate e-books from the library for big titles!
I have seen those 3-volume sets before and I think that is how it was originally published in Japan. I guess the U.S. just has a thing for giant books!
Another great profile of a great author! I know, Murakami isn't really my taste, but his writing is something special.
Thanks Tiffany. The great thing about literature is the abundance of good authors in a wide range of styles. It is like a big Sunday buffet, you don't have to like everything but you are sure to find something you will enjoy.
Every year, when the winner of the year's Nobel Prize for Literature is about to be announced, Murakami's fans gather to celebrate in case he wins.
I've read a couple of his books but of all the major Japanese writers I've read, I find him the least interesting. I don't really know whay that is. But it's great to read your essay giving a very diffrent point of view! Who knows, I might give him another try...
Jeffrey, thanks for reading. I had heard about Murakami's fans doing that and I know he always seems to be in the discussion. While I am obviously a fan, and have read almost all of his works, I am not sure I would consider him Nobel material. But I am not on the selection committee so who knows!
I will be honest that my experience of reading Japanese writers is limited to Murakami and Osamu Dazai. It is an area I feel very lacking in. I know you lived there for some time. Who would you recommend if I want to expand my horizons a bit?
Let's see if this will be Murakami's year!
My own knowledge of Japanese literature is still very limited. But I'd recommend Yoko Ogawa (maybe start with the "Housekeeper and the Professor") and the writer who did win the Nobel, Yasunari Kawabata ("Snow Country" is his classic work, widely admired, especially for the magnificent opening).
I haven’t read any Murakami yet, despite having a couple of his books, but this essay definitely makes me want to.
Noreen that is fantastic! Which books do you have? My favorites are 1Q84, Killing Commendatore, and Kafka on the Shore, however, those tend towards the weird end of his spectrum of writing.
I have Kafka on the Shore and Norwegian Wood. Weird is good for me. I just need to start one but maybe I need to start with 1Q84 too.
I had never heard of Marukami, so thanks for this Matthew. His books sound great! ✨️
You are welcome! Hope you find something you enjoy.
One of my favorites . Beautifully written post to introduce others. Excited to see more of what you connect to.
Megan, thank you for reading and commenting. It means so much. I hope others will find as much joy in reading his works as I have. Thanks for being here.
I love Murakami! Every once in a while I want a mundane yet fantastical story. No one hits that note better than him.
Jared, completely agree! Thanks for reading. All the best!
“We Have Always Lived in the Maze.”