wow : )

I’m disappointed with some aspects of Kafka on the Shore, but overall, the novel was worth reading. Since I’ve read nearly every work translated into English, I’ve come to expect the unexpected when I read Murakami. I don’t have that, “what the #@%! is going on” reaction that will keep new readers turning pages. But the concepts are so clearly illustrated in this novel, it’s almost a guidebook to understanding everything else he’s written so far. Like Murakami’s saying, “maybe this is what my way of writing a story is all about.” The writing is weak at spots, and could have used more work, but he is definitely still growing as a writer.

Other Murakami books I recommend are Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World,Norwegian Wood, or The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Read all three if you have time.

I find that the ending was a bit slower than I thought it might be, but I liked the book overall. I’d like to read some more Murakami, and recommendations?

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.

I was a bit disappointed by this book. If you are a Murakami fan I encourage you to read it and make up your own mind – but borrow, don’t buy this book. If you are not already a fan please start with his earlier work.

Kafka on the Shore is missing something – it may be due to poor translation but my opinion is unqualified since I can only read in English. There was something interesting about sentence structure and rhythm in translations of earlier Murakami, namely ‘The Wind-up Bird Chronicle’. ‘Kafka’ uses too many phrases and sentence structures from North American English that give the book the wrong feeling. I compare it to watching Disney’s English dubs of “Princess Mononoke” using American voice actors.

It may simply be that Murakami’s style has changed significantly since his earlier works (late 1980s-1995.

There were aspects of “Kafka on the Shore” that I enjoyed but it does not compare favourably with his earlier novels.

The weirdest book I’ve read in a while, and probably one of the best. Very unique. (3/13/05)

I’d like to disappear like one of his characters. To an island / into a well/ behind a mirror / like a cat. Or into a library.