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Original poster

Any Haruki Murakami fans

35 replies

sophietom · 01/05/2009 16:09

I'm really getting into Murakami. I especially enjoyed the Wind up Bird Chronicle and Dance Dance Dance but I've read several others. Can anyone recommend any similar authors I might enjoy? Also feel free to recommend your favourite Murakami books too

OP posts:
basementbear · 01/05/2009 18:37

DH is always saying I should read Murakami's books - his favourite is Norwegian Wood. I've never read any but will give them a try!

spicemonster · 01/05/2009 18:50

I can't think of any writers who are similar. Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood are my favourites. He's a really great writer

tillyfernackerpants · 01/05/2009 19:41

What about Kazuo Ishiguro? Tbh I haven't read any Murakami but I get the impression that they are quite similar.

EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 19:48

Best one is Wild Sheep Chase
Jeff Noon is similarly surreal. Ishiguro not particulatly similar other than sparseness (sparcity??)
His non-fiction is good too- underground about the tokyo sarin attacks.
Murakami is my favourite author (for adult stuff, obv)

EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 19:50

I like Douglas Coupland a lot
Peter Hoeg (though not his latest)

spicemonster · 01/05/2009 19:52

You might like Douglas Coupland actually thinking about it.

EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 19:52

Try this for other suggestions!

Aranea · 01/05/2009 19:52

Hard-boiled wonderland and the end of the world is good, and so is Kafka on the Shore. But I was disappointed by After Dark.

I've just started reading 2666 by Roberto Bolano, which according to one review is a feast for those who have enjoyed snacking on Murakami! I haven't got far enough yet to be able to confirm this, but am enjoying it!

spicemonster · 01/05/2009 19:53

Woah spooky EPPPMum!

There you go OP - two people who say Coupland, got to be worth a punt

Aranea · 01/05/2009 19:53

what a great site, eachpeach!

spicemonster · 01/05/2009 20:12

Wow - that's brilliant!

EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 20:48

twas mn led me to it previously!

janeite · 01/05/2009 20:52

Thought I'd see you on here EachPeach! Dp likes HM a lot. He also likes Ishiguro (I can't stand him). I haven't read any HM yet - must have a go.

Chrysanthamum · 01/05/2009 20:53

I love Haruki too. Siri Husvedt is one of my favourites especially "What I loved" and Banana Yoshimoto is great too v sparse insightful stories.

Chrysanthamum · 01/05/2009 20:54

great link Each Peach

janeite · 01/05/2009 20:59

Yes to Douglas Coupland btw.

hkz · 01/05/2009 21:10

Paul Auster maybe? Try new York Trilogy and Smoke.

Great link btw...

Original poster
sophietom · 01/05/2009 21:23

Thanks for the suggestions everyone and great link EPPM
Matbe I'll start with some Coupland and let you know how I get on

OP posts:
EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 21:28

Janeite - is it sparseness or sparcity please?

LionstarBigPants · 01/05/2009 21:30

Gen X & JPod by Coupland were good, the others not so much. I love Murakami though. Have you tried Gabriel Garcia Marquez for a truely unique voice - 100 Years of Solitude is a real classic.

cazzybabs · 01/05/2009 21:31

oh yes I loved Norwegiean wood too...and (unhelpfully) I have another one of his that I loved but I will be buggered if I can remember the title

janeite · 01/05/2009 21:34

Both allowed I think. Sparsity with an 's' though I think. Not feeling v clever today (if ever)!

EachPeachPearMum · 01/05/2009 21:54

Ah- that's why it looks odd

saintlydamemrsturnip · 01/05/2009 21:56

Norwegian Wood. Great book.

saintlydamemrsturnip · 01/05/2009 21:56

Not as mad as wild sheep chase etc.