I’m pretty close to the end (chapter 43 ironically), and this is the first Murakami book I’ve read. It was recommended to me. I do actually enjoy the book very much, but I must say that I can understand what pbundon is saying about something being lost in translation. There’s just something slightly off about the book to me. However, that may be Murakami’s style, I’ll have to read more of his works to say with any kind of real opinion.