Which book by Haruki Murakami should I read next? I've already read Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on the Shore, and After Dark.
How is The Elephant Vanishes?
Name:
Anonymous2008-03-27 13:10
I recommend Norwegian Wood.
I have only read a few of his books, but out of those I know, Norwegian Wood was the one I enjoyed the most.
Norwegian Wood is a very fine recommendation. South of the Border, West of the Sun is also a great book.
Both of them lack the surrealist bent that is present in the ones you've read so far; if that sounds like it could be a good thing, then go for one of those for sure.
The Elephant Vanishes is a short story collection, not a novel; maybe you knew that already. It has its high points, but on the whole it's not his best work for my money.
Name:
Anonymous2008-03-28 20:16
Norwegian Wood is really a oddity in Murakami's catalogue, it's his attempt at an old fashioned love story and while brilliant, isn't representative of his work at large I don't think.
If your looking for a change, it's well worth a read though. If you're looking for a bit more of the surreal, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' or especially 'Dance Dance Dance' are good books.
Name:
Anonymous2008-03-30 22:48
I just read Kafka on the Shore, and it felt like I got kicked in the chest. As that was my first Murakami book, which one should I get next? Anyone else think Kafka on the Shore was pretty good?
Name:
Anonymous2008-03-31 9:21
>>6
Just wondering, is getting kicked in the chest a good thing?
Name:
Anonymous2008-03-31 12:25
>>7
It's a sort of crushing feeling, like your heart was hit with a hammer.
Just finished Sputnik Sweetheart. Reading South of the Border, West of the Sun atm. I feel so ronery now.
Name:
Anonymous2008-04-11 12:35
Kafka on the Shore is one of my favorite books. I just finished Wind-up Bird Chronicle and that was awesome as well. I think the only Murakami books I haven't read yet are Wild Sheep Chase and the short story collections.
Name:
Anonymous2008-04-21 19:35
Read "Sputnik Sweetheart" and "After the Quake" next, sir. I loved them.