u/Available-Exercise71

Just finished this book and I feel like it comes close to the description of “Lynchian”

I found the book to be very cinematic in the way that he sets the scenes and describes the reader as an omnipotent being who observes the characters.

I liked the way that the core story is a boy and girl meeting in a Denny’s but there’s this underlying darkness beneath the surface.

I found that the descriptions of Eri getting stuck in the television reminded me a lot of blue velvet or like inland empire although not as extremely surreal or dark.

Overall I enjoyed this book and it was an easy and quick read. I feel like it could have even been a bit longer and I wish there was some resolution to the Shirakawa story but I also think the openness of the ending leaves a lot to the imagination (will Mari and Takahashi continue their relationship, will Eri recover, will Shirakawa be murdered).

I think Murakami is not best at writing female characters and there are always numerous references to breasts in the books of his that I have read. He’s got kind of a “boyish” that I find a bit endearing though.

Let me know your thoughts!

Just finished this book and wanted to jot down my thoughts real quick.

I loved how deeply flawed every character was and while it bordered on farcical satire I think they remained grounded enough to be genuinely relatable.

I loved how the novel jumps between characters and locations but in an easy to follow and engaging way. I’ve read DFW and DeLillo and I find Franzen often to be the most enjoyable read.

The book was so funny and I think the funniest parts were the scenes when the characters are doing something so embarrassing but in sincere or relatable ways (Chip and his leather pants and earring almost s******* himself in front of the Lithuanian “police”, Alfred falling off a cruise ship balcony, Gary cutting his hand while trimming hedges but refusing to tell his wife).

I felt like I got to discover different aspects of each characters personality and I could see how their motivations and perspective were influenced by their parents either through retaliation (Chip being a liberal arts professor) or inability to differentiate (Gary reminded me of Alfred when he was so stoic due to the fear of watching his dad go through an episode)

Probably not the most succinct description of the book and I can’t remember everything that I liked or disliked but I honestly just enjoyed this one so much.

Please let me know your thoughts on the book!!

PS: my grandfather died of Alzheimer’s in October and the last section of the book made me bawl my eyes out because it reminded me so much of my grandmother. Since my grandfather passed away I feel like she’s genuinely become a different person, overall completely more open and excited about life. Death is obviously a tragedy but it can be also signal the start of something new.