Murakami here I come...

Well I have taken the plunge - FS have done enough Murakami's that I have decided they make a set and started buying.

Norwegian Wood (half price!) and Wild Sheep Chase so far.

They are lovely and look very nice as a set.

Just hope they keep publishing!

I have just finished Wild Sheep Chase, and although well written, in the end I found it unsatisfying.

>2 wcarter: I have to confess I had a bit of a craze and read all his novels a few years ago. Wild Sheep Chase is a very early one - his two before that remained untranslated for quite a long time. I was quite surprised FS went with it to add to the set as its probably not the best of him.

I just finished (the FS version of) Kafka on the Shore a few weeks ago. It was a weird ride but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have Norwegian Wood on the way and am really looking forward to it. While the art isn't my favorite style, it fits Murakami and the book boards are just amazing on the Murakami's. I really love the Windup Bird Chronicle aesthetic - I'll have to get my hands on one eventually.

I've heard very good things about Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - it's on my kindle waiting for me to get to it.

I've read Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore, and thoroughly enjoyed them both. Norwegian Wood is heading my way, but I haven't bought A Wild Sheep Chase, and from what I read here, maybe it's not worth springing for (unless it's severely marked down in a future sale, of course). I have The City and Its Uncertain Walls on request at the library and will probably get it before the month is out.

>5 rubix_cubin: not Folio, but late last year Everyman's Library just released an edition of Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. I haven't read it yet, but can confirm the build specs are up to standard Everyman's Library (sewn binding, decent paper, full cloth binding over thin boards).

Wildsheep Chase is up pretty high on my favourite Murakami reads though it is technically a sequel to "Hear the Wind Sing" and "Pinball, 1973" which makes Folio's decision to release it just on its own first and likely without intending to do the prequels at some stage a bit questionable. Some say it's not necessary to read the two prequels but I always maintain it's best to read any series in order.

>7 abysswalker: Awesome, that's great to know - cheers!

I've read Kafka and Norweigian Wood — I liked Kafka and thought it was interesting but I think Norweigian Wood is a cut or two above.

>6 coynedj: I read The City and Its Uncertain Walls from my library as well and I enjoyed it! I haven't gotten A Wild Sheep Chase because while the illustrator is great, I think I've gotten bored of the same art style over and over for the author. It's a beautiful book, but I don't think the illustrations add anything to my personal reading experience anymore.

>10 gmacaree: Agreed!

Of Murakami's work I have only read A Wild Sheep Chase. I must have read it 30 years ago or so. I enjoyed the mood but couldn't always figure out what was going on. I love Japanese literature but A Wild Sheep Chase is definitely atypical which is probably one of the reasons why I didn't follow through and read more Murakami. FS's Kafka on the Shore has been resting on my bookcase shelves for a year or so during which time I have read plenty of other Japanese authors. I will get round to reading it some time this year. I am curious to see if I am more receptive this time around. It's odd to love Japanese literature but not love the author everyone else seems to rave about.

Murakami was the author that got me back into reading as an adult, picking up after dark on a whim in a book shop. I’ve read everything he’s written that’s been translated to English including the non-fiction, apart from the newest release because I want to re-read hard boiled wonderland again first (which is my favourite of his books). He has his limitations but I love his style. If you’re a fan I’d also recommend “Haruki Murakami goes to meet Hayao Kawai” which is a fascinating conversation between them.

I´ve just read Colourless Tsuru Tazaki (which I have completely forgotten, except the place where I read it) and Kafka (which I enjoyed).

As per Kafka, it's quite an experience. I'd say whimsical. I´ve always wondered why there is relatively little controversy with that one, given that the book's protagonist is a minor and he gets into some shenanigans when he's below the age of consent. I've also heard criticism of his treatment of female characters, and there is some of that in Kafka too.

I've read 1Q84 and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.

I was instantly hooked from the opening of both books. Never read anything quite like them. I don't even know what genre to categorize them. Especially enjoyed 1Q84.

Was able to get Norwegian Wood in the recent sales, so I can get started on that soon.

I hope FS does an 1Q84 release. I have the standard Knopf hardcover release from 2011.

>15 Ibkay: "Never read anything quite like them. I don't even know what genre to categorize them."

Having only read Kafka on the Shore, I would classify it as literary fiction with a heavy dose of magical realism.

A short video from FS on the design of the Murakami books, featuring the illustrator:

https://youtu.be/S4qavD6qVNA?si=3nO9vhJmI4lI1jAT

Although neither the notes nor the transcript explicitly state this is the end of their collection, it’s certainly a plausible interpretation:

“Behind the designs of Folio’s Murakami Collection 📚
Illustrator Daniel Liévano takes us on a journey through his creative process of bringing Haruki Murakami’s surreal worlds to life.
From shaping a unified collection to celebrating each book’s unique character, Daniel shares the inspiration, challenges, and creative decisions that shaped this extraordinary collaboration.
Discover The Murakami Collection in full:”

>17 MisterTrister: Nice video share and a plausible conclusion!