I’ve read a lot of Murakami’s works. This was my first one a few years ago, and I read about half of his other stuff too because of it. I knew this was one of the ones I liked least, but everyone’s always talking about it, so I figured I’d read it again now that I’m older and see if I missed anything.
The story feels less world-changing now. I’m more bothered by the portrayal of women characters and I think it’s all “less deep.” Like, often the meaning of things is clear, but then it gets explained again but explicitly. I guess this makes the book very accessible, but it also makes it feel like I’m reading something for children, you know?
I realised that Murakami has a very fresh way of making you feel things. He describes particular feelings in a unique way and it works. Eg., I remember something like ‘Talking to them was like throwing a pebble into a mineshaft.’ He has a very fresh way of explaining his observations about life too. Most good writers know how to do this, but Murakami does it remarkably effortlessly.
This last thing is something I have taken for granted. I had forgotten why I like Murakami and that is the only thing. He’s just *fresh*. Still, I recommend everyone to read the books before they’re still in high school or something because that’s when they’re the most fun.
by -ajrojrojro-