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1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Harvill Secker)
I’ve loved Murakami since I first read one of his earlier novels, Norwegian Wood. I liked it because it was strange, but in an honest, sad and beautiful way.
I went on to read Kafka on the Shore when I was backpacking in South America. I even still remember the offbeat American-owned bookstore that I bought it from in Quito, Ecuador- a bookstore almost as strange and disjointed as the story.
So when all the hype around Murakami’s latest novel, 1Q84, began to make itself known in my Facebook and Twitter feed, I knew I needed to read it. I even shelled out more than I’d ever pay for a book on the hardcover version at The Book Lounge.
And I’m still reading it.
I’ve made my way through the first book, one in a collection of three, which apparently were released separately in Japan but have been collected in one hardcover version for the international release.
It’s a slightly heavy one, which makes reading it in bed a bit of an effort, but I think my arms have adjusted.
It’s the usual bizarre Murakami parallel narrative structure, alternating between Aomame and Tengo, two characters who unknowingly live complementary lives in a bizarre version of the year 1984- a world with two moons called 1Q84.
In true Murakami style there are evocative descriptions of sex, cults, Tokyo, relationships and in-depth character introspection, but to be honest, it’s too much of a detailed plot to fit into a short review.
In short, it’s complex, twisted, and if you’re reading the hardcover version, awkward to hold while lying down. But if you’re a Murakami fan, and can’t wait a year for the paperback version, I’d say it’s definitely worth the bicep strain.
Keen on reading this book? Click here to either review the book or purchase your own copy.
Are you a fan of Haruki Murakami's works? Tell us about your favourite books of his.
Sign up for women24's book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from Kalahari.com.
I’ve loved Murakami since I first read one of his earlier novels, Norwegian Wood. I liked it because it was strange, but in an honest, sad and beautiful way.
I went on to read Kafka on the Shore when I was backpacking in South America. I even still remember the offbeat American-owned bookstore that I bought it from in Quito, Ecuador- a bookstore almost as strange and disjointed as the story.
So when all the hype around Murakami’s latest novel, 1Q84, began to make itself known in my Facebook and Twitter feed, I knew I needed to read it. I even shelled out more than I’d ever pay for a book on the hardcover version at The Book Lounge.
And I’m still reading it.
I’ve made my way through the first book, one in a collection of three, which apparently were released separately in Japan but have been collected in one hardcover version for the international release.
It’s a slightly heavy one, which makes reading it in bed a bit of an effort, but I think my arms have adjusted.
It’s the usual bizarre Murakami parallel narrative structure, alternating between Aomame and Tengo, two characters who unknowingly live complementary lives in a bizarre version of the year 1984- a world with two moons called 1Q84.
In true Murakami style there are evocative descriptions of sex, cults, Tokyo, relationships and in-depth character introspection, but to be honest, it’s too much of a detailed plot to fit into a short review.
In short, it’s complex, twisted, and if you’re reading the hardcover version, awkward to hold while lying down. But if you’re a Murakami fan, and can’t wait a year for the paperback version, I’d say it’s definitely worth the bicep strain.
Keen on reading this book? Click here to either review the book or purchase your own copy.
Are you a fan of Haruki Murakami's works? Tell us about your favourite books of his.
Sign up for women24's book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from Kalahari.com.
