Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Book: After Dark - Haruki Murakami

I was inspired to read his books quite suddenly. Tora FrØseth was right into a Murakami craze as I discovered her blog (at the time I discovered the pattern for the Little Sister's Dress) and her jumping-up-and-down excitement just seemed to transfer almost directly to me.

I first read 'What I talk about when I talk about running' because the library coughed it up first. It's a kind of memoir with a specific theme, and I enjoyed it, being a bit of a runner, not like Murakami though who runs a marathon every year and has done an ultramarathon once. But of course it was the fiction I was really after.

After Dark is a very short novel, taking place over the course of one long night. I loved the surreal elements which made me think of a David Lynch film. In spite of these bits, however, it's actually overall a fairly simply told story. Not a lot happens, but I think it does capture a turning point in three people's lives. I enjoyed it and am still keen to read more of his books.

It's recommended, if you don't mind a bit of surreality. If you've read it I'd love to hear what you think.

3 comments:

Lea said...

I did read one of his books - or tried to. I can't recall which but it was very uninteresting and turned me off him altogether - maybe I need to try some more

Bells said...

i read The Wind Up Bird Chronicle on the recommendation of an obsessed friend. I couldn't finish it. I didn't hate it. I just didn't get the point. THe thing is I love reading ABOUT him for some reason. I should read the running book!

Rhonda said...

Wind-up Bird Chronicle is one of my all time favs. If you like one line from a Murakami book you will love this novel. I hope you read it and then let me know what you think. Rhonda