“I just don’t get it,” was my response to reading my first Haruki Murakami, his six-story collection, After the Quake (2002), set in the aftermath of the Kobe Earthquake of 1995. Prior to reading this book–the result of a work-related book club–all I was aware of was that his novel 1Q84 (2013) was quite the sensation and is still on many’s “To Read” pile. As such, my expectations for this author were high.
I quickly began to readjust my expectations, however, after reading the first story, “UFO in Kushiro” which left me feeling incomplete and confused.
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Murakami is perhaps the author I like the most but am least likely to recommend to other people. He just isn’t for everyone.
I haven’t read this one yet, but from what I’ve heard, it’s probably not the best introduction to his writing.
Norwegian Wood might be his most accessible, but 1Q84 is what really captivated me.
Thanks for the recommendation. I might eventually give him another try.