This was my first Murakami novel. I liked some parts of it a lot. Especially the first half of the story - a fascinating blend of reality and fantasy. What is real, and what is a dream? But I don't think the different elements of the novel came together and formed a coherent story. All the WWII stuff with harrowing stories, the young girl's ramblings, hiding in the well, etc. What's the connection? I liked Creta Kano and her back story, but she suddenly disappeared from the story without explanation. Well, overall, I liked the feeling it created of loneliness and the inability to know what reality is. ( )

Weird as hell but still strangely compelling although I got lost in the twists and turns that link the novel's parallel worlds. ( )

3.5 ( )

It was a refreshing getaway from the real world, but I didn't have that edge-of-your-seat-must-read-on feeling that most people describe about it. It was more like a not-really-sure-whats-going-on-so-read-till-its-over kind of feeling. It did get me thinking about who my alternate reality arch-nemesis might be, havn't come up with anything yet. ( )

I was reminded of this book today because I was discussing the movie Burning which is based on one of Murakami's short stories with my coworker, and he asked if there have been any other adaptations of Murakami's works. I googled it an saw that there was a stage adaptation of this one, and promptly stated I would probably throw up if forced to watch it (and not in a good way). So, simply put, this one is not for the faint of heart.It had everything I expect in a Murakami book: a missing woman, a cat, weird sex dreams, the consumption of simple meals and a few strange side characters. I was especially excited to see Ushikawa of 1Q84 fame show up, and no you cannot convince me that it wasn't the same character. Overall, it wasn't my absolute favorite Murakami, but out of the ones I've read so far, I'd say it's below 1Q84 and Tsukuru, but on par with Norwegian Wood. ( )