I am currently reading the interminable magnum opus that is Murakami's 3 volume, 1157 page (in this edition at least) 1Q84. I am about 3/4 of the way through and have mixed feelings about the story.
The first half of the book gave me a real 'stop-start' feeling. With the two simultaneous stories unfolding, as soon as something would be interesting, or the story would heat up, the chapter ends and the next is back to the other story that is in a lull. Then that story would start to get interesting, and you're left on a cliff-hanger, then back to the other story that has cooled off again. I found it kind of frustrating, as I never felt fully engrossed in the story. I wonder if that was the intended effect, or if it was just a strange way of trying to keep the reader moving through the book.
The second half of the story does indeed pick-up, though. I do find myself wanting to know how things end up. I definitely enjoy Murakami's style, for the most part, and his ideas are interesting, offbeat, and delightfully fantastical. Some of the tangents are a bit tiresome, and I do feel that the book could be at least 35% shorter and have the same effect. I had the same feeling with another one of his novels, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.
I'm wondering what other opinions of this book are. Has anyone else read it, or any of his other work? I want to hear your opinions! no spoilers please :)
I have not read it, but from the experience of being on the other side -- sometimes we put a bit too much in. Since this author may have gotten to "big" -- their editor and publisher may not have had the nerve to comment.
I am going to have to try it sometime. It does sound like my kind of many plot lines to keep you confused until the end.
I really enjoy Murakami and this is one of my favorites. The main characters just stole my heart and the magical multidimensional elements totally wowed me. I was actually just writing about Murakami in relationship to the equally surreal work of David Lynch. He's quite profound and says the most beautifully relevant things in speeches and essays as well.
Personally, I love that his novels are so long, because I so thoroughly enjoy them, the more time I can spend with my nose in the book, the better :) I'd say my favorite novel is Kafka on the Shore.
Have you finished it yet? What did you think?
I really liked the Wind Up Bird Chronicle. But I see how it might feel 'stop-start'ish. Are there any other Murakami books you'd read that you'd recommend?
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