I feel like existing under Murakami's sphere would be a slightly whimsical, reflective place. I enjoyed reading about his insights and personal process. The intersection of his self-advocation for his writing against critics with his very real humility was also a joy to read.

I honestly don't know the how or why I picked this book up, but I'm glad I did! Historical fiction, paranormal activities, a dabbling of feminist thought, AND an enemies meetcute to lovers? Plus there's writing style that doesn't get in its own way. This was a good time.

Italian Grishaverse vibes! Decently written, feel-good acceptance and found family themes, with some really unfortunate "model minority" takes mixed in.

A sequel that could have been about taking down a political/religious system that isolates and disempowers us (super relevant in this day and age), became another clichéd race against the end of the world set up.

Not bad, but a bummer.

This hauntingly beautiful prose and darkly Gothic atmosphere made me nostalgic for the college experiences that I've been trying to unpack in therapy for years now. Which is the weirdest praise I've ever given a book. Themes of isolation, patriarchal expectations in this unique coming of age exploration.

I can't quite put my finger on what specifically, but I wanted more from it, though

3.5 rounded up

Sometimes it's good enough that something is just fun to read, you know?