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Dec 09, 2014eiknarf rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Supposedly, this is THE ONE. I didn't find it to be so though. I somehow read almost every other Murakami work to date before finally getting around to this one. It's a nice story, yes (it always is), replete with the obvious marks of this reliably-excellent author's hand; however, taken in context of his other works, I disagree with it's enduring privileged critical status. Hence, I suggest the Murakami beginner (or continuing reader) try these other works first: start: A Wild Sheep Chase, Dance Dance Dance, Sputnik Sweetheart, or even Colorless Tsukuru Tsaki...(or however it's spelled), then: Kafka on the Shore and continuing (after some time): 1Q84 or Wind-up Bird Chronicle (these are longer works). Hard-boiled Wonderland... is also a fine short-to-medium-length novel. I recommend all of these before Norwegian Wood, actually. Thanks and good luck. *Also, his short story collections The Elephant Vanishes and Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman also acceptably showcase his unique style if you're not keen on the frontend investment in a novel.