After having read a half dozen or so Murakami books, a fellow avid Murakami reader pointed out I had gone about reading his work in the wrong order and suggested that I should drop whatever else I was reading and start all over again with Norwegian Wood. I’m glad I did go back to the first book which made Murakami such a big literary sensation in Japan. And after reading this novel, I can see how Murakami’s work has evolved considerably over time. In comparison say to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Norwegian Wood is a simple coming of age story simply (and brilliantly) told. Toru is a young college student in Tokyo who’s days are mostly occupied with going to class and observing life in his campus dorm. He is also in love with Naoko who was once the girlfriend of Toru’s best friend, who’s suicide has brought the two of them closer together. But when Naoko, having trouble dealing with daily life, retires to the isolation of a mental health clinic, Toru starts feeling lonely in her absence and comes to meet Midori, an uninhibited and independent-minded young woman who seems to embody the spirit of the freewheeling late 60’s, and he quickly finds himself irresistibly attracted to her.

There are no tricks here, no mysterious magical forces at play, no spies dressed as cats lurking in the corners. What we do find is a vivid account of the years 1969-1970, it's music (the book is named after the Beatles song which is mentioned several times in the story), it's energy and the upheavals the times brought about, Tokyo-style. It’s a sad story with many insights on relationships, connections and loneliness told in Murakami’s magic style, in his unique voice which bring a tinge of excitement to everything he touches upon. If you’ve heard about Murakami and are curious to discover this phenomenal writer, this should be your first stop.

I enjoyed it thoroughly but do have a special fondness for Murakami’s multilayered and intersecting worlds found in some of his later books which is why I gave it ( )

Much more straightforward than many of Murakami's novels—there's none of his trademark magical realism—Norwegian Wood is still a complex tale of maturation and loneliness in 1960s Tokyo. For all that it's set in a world that's very grounded and realistic, this is still quite a disturbing novel in many ways: people are oddly self-contained, love is not unconditional, there is no real sense of home. He's quite interested in exploring what it is to be 'normal' or 'not normal', and how an obsession with whether or not one is 'normal' can be much more damaging than any real variation from the norm. ( )

Haruki Murakami is a new favorite author of mine. After reading Norwegian Wood, I picked up The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman. I'm amazed that he is one of the only notable authors of Japan. Perhaps the country doesn't value writing. Regardless, I'm glad Murakami does.

Beatles aficionados will recognize the title of this book; it's a direct reference to their song. The lyrics go: "I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me...and when I awoke, I was alone, this bird had flown. " Murakami is a music buff, so it's no surprise that he'd pick a fitting song for the title of this book.

Published in Japan in 1987, this was Murakami's breakthrough novel, and one of his most straightforward (he's known for magic realism). Toru Watanabe, a lonely college student of the late 1960s, is living in the dorms of a Tokyo university. He spends his days going to class, reading, working, and occasionally socializing with a few of his unconventional peers.

In many respects, this is a coming of age novel. I wouldn't, however, say it's akin to The Catcher in the Rye. Toru Watanabe sees the world more positively than Holden Caulfield, is more mature and well-read, and certainly doesn't live in New York City. Toru Watanabe is also in love.

Don't run away just yet. Trust me, I'm not one for romance novels. This book, as the translator remarks, "is not just a love story." While the story centers around a love triangle, it's also about death, Japanese culture, and convalescence. These aren't particularly upbeat topics, but most books (especially ones I've read recently) aren't upbeat.

The book's biggest flaw is its similarity to other coming of age novels. I've read quite a few, so it might be a personal issue. Norwegian Wood is distinct in its own ways (most importantly the Tokyo setting), but there are the obvious references to American novels and the usual meandering, lonely days. Somehow, Murakami manages to make the book interesting and poignant.

The oddball Japanese social atmosphere might be what sets this book apart. Before each day, a Japanese flag ceremony is conducted outside of Toru Watanabe's dormitory. The society functions by sending the most brilliant students of Japan to work and travel overseas for the government. And conversations can get wacky, ranging from horrifying piano lessons to cucumbers.

Murakami's writing translates well. Even in English, I can tell he's a master. He describes essential details, but never oversimplifies or goes overboard. His mind is unique. To peek under the hood of Murakami, I suggest first checking out this book. ( )

it's better the second time. i really love this book. murakami gets into the heart of the complications brought on by what's important to people. ( )

Mijn recensie; http://www.pinkbullets.nl/2008/07/boo... ( )