astridandlouise's Reviews (665)

Murakami still surprises me regardless of how many of his novels I read. Sure there are elements of his work that are trademark Murakami, but the format and composition of this one had me so puzzled at the beginning - I had no idea how the two stories tied together. Two thirds of the way through it all made sense - typically weird, but it tied together and was understandable.

I didn't love the ending - it wasn't how I wanted it to finish, but I still highly enjoyed it. At the beginning I actually had no clue what on earth it was I was reading, but true to form Murakami somehow makes you keep reading however weird or bizarre the world he is slowly depicting.

If you're a fan of Winton you'll enjoy this. Written in true Winton style and form, he really aims to put you in the main characters shoes to really see and experience their life as they're living it as opposed to narration and attempting to relate you to the character.

I found the first half of the book to be a little slow. Once he stumbled across the shepherd's hut it picked up quite quickly. It also would have been nice to be able to continue along on Jaxie's journey. I feel I didn't get enough closure from the ending, but in relation to the title of the book it does tie everything together. Even if a little speedy for my liking.

Very well written with strong depth and vast character variation. I didn't really want the book to end as I wanted to uncover the progression of the remaining characters, where future years took them and how it ended for them all.

There were so many characters in this book, yet I was never confused by their introduction into the story, their progression or their demise. They were relatable and by the ending, they felt like friends. It's what you hope for when you read a book; that the characters become 3D to you over the journey as opposed to 2D on paper. This book captured that beautifully.

It also emphasized how lucky I am to live the life that I do and how difficult things are and have been for the people before us. Especially countries touched by war and famine.

Granted, I've only just entered my thirties but she has such a good grasp and wisdom when it comes to age, aging and how to defy age-related barriers. (PSA - those barriers don't exist!)

Sometimes I forget what a blessing it is to age - so many don't get the opportunity to do so, so this little book of insight and positivity is a nice reminder to be thankful for everyday. To never complain about the lines on your face, they are there because you have lived - and for that we should be grateful. She's definitely an inspiration as to how to age without growing old. Truly a great character.

This whilst holding many similarities to previous Murakami work, is much different than what I was expecting.

I felt that the structure of this book was built and layered differently in comparison to Murakami's earlier works. I didn't feel that it was as detailed as we're used to seeing from him and whilst the story was good, I felt that the ending was left so far ajar that it was a little frustrating.

Definitely not one of my favourite stories from Murakami, but I enjoyed it all the same and found it quick and easy to read.

1. every time i read a Murakami book now all i can only picture the male lead as Psy (even though i know he's Korean and not Japanese..)

2. i'm beginning to notice a very consistent pattern of storyline structure between Murakami's books. i'm not saying it's a bad thing, i'm just saying it doesn't hurt to try something new. although, why change a winning formula right?

3. i thought that seeing as this was one of Murakami's first novels that got such glowing critic reviews i'd like it much more than Dance, Dance, Dance... i was wrong.

4. whilst i enjoyed this book story #2 dragged a little for me and that's where i started to struggle. once malta and creta were introduced it got a little bit odd (and murakami's books are odd enough as it is which doesn't usually bother or affect me in the slightest..)

5. i was overjoyed when ushikawa appeared in this book... it reminded me of my wonderful 1Q84 experience.

so in short, enjoyed the beginning and the end, but the middle just dragged a little too much for me. it was odd but not so odd that i didn't not enjoy it because i certainly did. i just assumed i would enjoy it much more... still love ya haruki..

beautifully heartbreaking story. wonderful.

I don't know how he does it, but Murakami has this gift - I never want to put down one of his books. They're not edge-of-your-seat nail biters, but he leaves me wanting more & more. Simply reading a chapter or two is never enough.

This book is nothing less, absolutely loved it. I could live in Murakami's world forever...

I enjoyed this read. It gave me more background about Murakami the person and his individual traits and his determination levels.
I definitely found it inspiring.

Typical Murakami short stories. Always a fun and easy read as you always know what you'll receive. Nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable to read nonetheless.