By HARUKI MURAKAMI
REVIEW AND THOUGHTS
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read. Before proceeding, there are very few works in the world that disturb you to the core. For me, it was Franz Kafka’s novels and the short stories of Haruki Murakami Men without Women. Hence, I wanted to read another novel of his. Norwegian Wood is a Japanese novel, but I read its English translation.
This page is going to be somewhat more than a review. It is going to be a culmination of my thoughts on this book and its characters.
The story is a nostalgia pondered by Toru Watanabe. In the 60s, Toru is a drama student with no idea of why he is doing the course and what he is about to do later. It is very relatable, especially when we are in our 20s, it is very easy to not know what we really want out of our life. And Toru was in the same position, except for his love for certain American classics, which earned him one of his friends, Nagasawa, who unlike Toru, very clear of what he wants to be. He is a diplomacy student and has an easy-going approach to life. Nagasawa’s girlfriend Hatsumi is very considerate but their needs from life differ.
To me, there are 3 important women in Toru’s life. Naoko, Midori, Reiko.
Naoko is Kizuki’s girlfriend. Toru was best friends with Kizuki. The three practically had only each other for most part of their life. Naoko’s sister committed suicide and it affected her a lot. But things were very bleak later too. Naoko is a very gentle person. At a very early age, when she is about to enter into the whole life ahead, the deaths did really affect her.
When something so shocking happens or when you have lost someone dear to you, words choke and eventually it feels like the words no more have any meaning to them; and question as to, what is the purpose of speaking them. We turn mute to the entire world. There is nothing to be conveyed. The world around seems so calm when there is a whole chaos happening in the heart and it feels like nature is being an imposter.
Sunday evenings, that Naoko and Toru spend together, walking, after Kizuki’s death feels the same to Naoko and, Toru can never find the right word to make Naoko open up.
The relationship between them changes on Naoko’s birthday. For most of the part, Naoko seeks help in a sanatorium.
It’s because I think of you when I’m in bed in the morning that I can wind my spring and tell myself I have to live another good day.
Midori is Toru’s classmate in his course. When they spend time together, a beautiful friendship springs between them. Midori is a vivid young woman. She is a straight-forward and a warm hearted person. She has a boyfriend who doesn’t understand who she is and most of the times, a quite narrow minded one. She takes care of her father Kobayashi, along with her sister. They run a bookstore together and her life takes a turn. There is so much Midori has got to say to the world and she found the right pair of ears in Toru.
Personally, I adored Midori. She was a very beautiful person on the face of the earth. And I have never felt this warmth towards a fictional character before.
Toru and Midori have a very special friendship, in which Toru sometimes acts hesitant, but Midori knows exactly what she wants and what she deserves.
Reiko is the woman who stays with Naoko in the sanatorium and who helps Toru and Naoko’s relationship stay intact, when Naoko is going through her difficult times and Toru can’t understand as well as he thought he had.
I can’t describe enough of this beautiful novel. It is very well written, with the right words and the amazing emotions it kindles. Haruki Murakami, sure has a way with the words.
The dead will always be dead, but we have to go on living.
The relationships among the people are the purest ones. Very gentle, pure, and humane. It was like looking into a whole other world, where everyone has their own set of problems, yet like an angel on the earth, their face to the other, always remain so gentle and warm.
I am very fortunate to get this out of this book and I wish the same for anyone who is about to read it. Hope I have not hyped it more. Please do give it a read without expectations.
Rating: 4.8/5
Featured Image credits: penguin
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