Haruki Murikami - am hooked!

[rosie79]

I've recently discovered Haruki Murikami and am in the middle of reading a third book by him. They are quite different to anything I have read before, perhaps because they are translated from Japanese, but I am hooked! Quite beautiful writing and complex characters.

I'd recommend them to anyone looking for something a bit different.

Anyone else read any? What do you think? Would love to hear what others thought...

I've read:
Kafka on the Shore (which I enjoyed the most)
A Wild Sheep Chase
Norwegian Wood

oh he is sooooo fine! Yes, I think everyone must read him, it should be compulsory

however am that you have not read The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. His best, IMO.

Though I have not read Kafka, I want to read that, aargh or actually any of the books on your list.

I have had many conversations about whether he is a sci fi writer without any sci fi in, if that makes sense?

I love him. Have read all the ones you have and more. He is sooooo addictive I reckon

there is absolutley no other writers like him ,imo

I agree. He is cool.

No haven't read the wind up bird chronicles yet, but it is on my list!! I think I will read anything by him...just wish there were more hours in the day!

I guess he is a bit like a sci-fi writeer without the sci-fi, one way of describing his writing!

What about Dance Dance Dance? Is that a good one too?

Am glad others think he is cool too!

think he'd do a MN interview?

We could all take on multiple, HM inspired user names and email MN towers?

Sounds like a plan Fillyjonkthepumpkineater!

What name would you choose?

I LOVED the windo up bird chronicles

hmmm

Noboru Wataya? After the cat, of course?

(ah, you need to read the book)

(just like the sound of the name really)

I liked dance dance dance too.
Actually I think the wild sheep chase was one of my faves.

Not sure if HM will 'do' mumsnet. I tried to get him on my radio prog once and his agent practically snorted.

Oh well

i ahve onl yread the wind up bird chronicles and kafka on hte shore. confess i found both a bit weird ,especially kafka andnam still not sure that i understood the end . preferred the Wind up bird chronicles .agree that his books are strangely compulsive though. will definitely be seeking outr some more.

His writing is weird but is strangely compelling , I love his books i've read, Wind up bird Chronicles, Norweigan wood, Kafka on the shore, Elephant Vanishes and Sputnik Sweetheart. Underground which is Non -fiction where he interviews victim's families, witnesses and perpetrators of The Toyko gas attacks is fabulous too.

I go through phases with him. I've read lots of his books ... 5 or 6? But they all blur together after a while.

Oh, I did really like his book on the underground bombings, though. Called Underground? I think?

Agree his books blur together - the moods feel the same in them if that makes any sense! And they always feature enigmatic characters who smoke a lot.

Do really like them though, kinda weird and all like a long dream.

Anyone else think he has an ear fetish? He seems to always mention the ears of the female characters. Interesting...

Hmm, I think there's a traditional Japanese thing with ears, isn't there? And the back of the neck. They're the bits you can see in traditional Japanese women's outfit, iyswim ...

Ah yes, that would make sense NQC.