
I think I’ve just found my new favorite Murakami book: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I’d been holding off on reading it for a while now because (1) I tend to feel overwhelmed whenever I read Murakami’s books; and (2) the book is 607 pages. But due to a self-imposed deadline (see Until Next Time, Books without Borders), I pushed myself to read and finish the book, so that I can pass it on.

And what a worthwhile read it was. I admit that I didn’t immediately get attached to the main character, but he grew on me. The world of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is very typical of Murakami (sort of out of this world), but it wasn’t as crazy as his other worlds. I think the length of the book (again, 607 pages!!!) allowed for this intricate world building. Additionally, the pace was well set, and the story did not feel long nor rushed at all.
I was also a bit hesitant to read this book at first because it’s about a man looking for his lost cat. …But that only starts off the plot, and there is really a lot more to the story. There was one character whose role I couldn’t quite grasp, and, in result, I didn’t like this character as much. That’s my only “eh” comment, and I’m thinking it might also be a personal preference kind of thing.
Story and world-wise, this book has made it to the top of my Murakami list. (In case you’re curious, the other two in my top three are Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World and Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.)
I’ve always wanted to read a Murakami book but I admit the page numbers daunt me so much. You are so good that you could jump in one Kamilla and ended up enjoying it so much. I find his premises so intriguing.
❤️ BTW you follow me on Twitter!! I have a new initiative where I’m visiting the blogs of those that follow me and you were my first visit!! I love how you pose your reviews as reactions and keep your thoughts focused on that POV!! It’s really neat.
Thanks for dropping by!
Also, yes, Murakami’s page numbers are daunting. For this reason, I haven’t read 1Q84. Haha! LMK if you end up picking up one of his books! I haven’t found one that I didn’t enjoy. 🙂
[…] …shares Novel Reactions: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. This is my first book blogger visit in my Loving on Twitter Followers Initiative!! I love how Kamilla poses her reviews as reactions and keep her thoughts focused on that POV!! It’s really neat. Do you love long or short reviews? […]
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