After an inviting, interesting premise -- a premise I related too somewhat closely about being shunned by friends and not understanding the reason why -- I was entirely disappointed by the writing, characters, and narrative, and I think after this I am done with Murakami. 1Q84 had me until the last third, and after spending so much time on that novel I thought I would take a breather from Murakami. But this book really solidified how much I just do not want to ever pick up a Murakami again. It was painful near the end to try to complete it. My mouse lingered on the 2-star "It was Ok" review but no, I really 1-star "Did not like it."

Thankfully the entire book club agreed. (It's a book club of women, and I think especially with this book, that's important to note given the way Murakami writes women in it...)