I read Norwegian Wood a few months ago, although I heard about and meant to read it years before. But I feel like I read it at a good time, and I was able to somehow draw some comparison to my current point in life: my living abroad by myself, trying to find beauty in all the ugliness, and feeling lonely in a city of millions. I didn't go into the book expecting a love story, fortunately, which some have pointed out may lead to some disappointments. All I kind of knew about the book was that it's on the life of a young man trying to find love and himself, and a contemporary setting. It's a story I'll keep in a special place in my heart.
It's amazing how just one book, one piece of literature can mean so many things to so many people. Norwegian Wood has a special place in my heart too, for so many reasons - one of them being, what you said, to try to find beauty (or something like acceptance) in all the ugliness.
@@ReadADayClub I like this line a lot (and I also like that you added the part about acceptance), but I borrowed it from the show Westworld! I have since attempted to make this one of my principles in life, because otherwise, it's much easier to give in and give up on life.
This is my favorite Murakami book. I agree with you that it is not a love story. Most of the folks I know that did not like it, went into it thinking it was a love story. I have not re read it in many years. I'm almost afraid to re read it for fear I won't love it as much as I did the first time.
@@ReadADayClub Hello. coming back here because i literally just finished re reading it. Loved it and annotated it even more with this re read. What do you think of the ending ? Do you think it took place after he said good bye to Reiko or do you think we have jumped back to the beginning in current day at age 37 when he makes that call to Midori? I go back and forth on this.
@@radiantchristina it was right after he said goodbye to Reiko, the time spent with Reiko just healed him alot after Naoko's dead and he couldnt hold himself to see and talk to Midori at the end. I just refuse to believe that this is a fiction story ((
@@radiantchristinaI feel like, the last paragraph happened in the present when he was in Germany and after recalling all the memories, he couldn't stop himself from calling Midori thinking that it was right after he said goodbye to Reiko. But I think that he never contacted Midori again and he was just cut out from the world confused and went on living. For Midori he was still on the road like he was 17 years earlier, somewhere that she couldn't reach him. That's why the first thing she asked him was, "where are you?". He might be suffering from depression all that time and could never really got over the death of Naoko.
My ex-girlfriend borrowed me this book around 7 years ago because she wanted to infect me with reading passion and she kinda succeed on that. I don't remember the plot but I remember that it really touched me and I truly discovered the magic of books back then. Now I am in the middle of 1Q84's third volume and bought used Norwegian Wood just now so I can have it for myself. Thank you for expressing yourself, very interesting usage of words.
Thank you so much! :) Yeah I can relate to that, I too found it cathartic when I read it for the first time. Like something in me just changed during and after the read.
I love murakami and his first book i read was Norwegian wood and i got hooked i don't understand about people talking about how he writes women bruh his books are about hapless nothing happening enjoying it is the main thing just go with the flow enjoy the plot
To be honest, it hasn't been a very good read for me. In fact, I was sort of disappointed by this book. For some reason, I could not connect with the characters well. Not even single one of them to be honest. But, I loved how you articulated your thoughts about this book. Maybe it was just my first time reading this book, and probably I was not in the right state to really fathom the depth of his words. 🥲 Maybe I will try reading it again some other time, just to get to know, if I can contemplate on a similar level as yours. 😅
I totally get that feeling. Murakami's books often require a certain frame of mind to truly understand what's lurking underneath his words. It took me a second or third read to really get into this book and understand what's actually happening! Thanks so much for this comment, and hopefully next time you read Norwegian Wood, you'll have a better time with it! :)
Aww, Ayesha!! You're so excellently sweet at explaining. I was searching for good review and i came here not just because of review but because of dim-dim light! I've seen most people where they describe plot which for me makes no sense but here is the actual thing i found in this vedio. Ayesha, thank you so much for making this vedio. Also, your pronunciation is soo good. You're a sweet little bee. Love & prace to you, dear!
Woh Woh wait a minute, I was watching videos regarding quants, how did I end up here? God is this is a sign? should I start reading books other than light novels?
It's so difficult to decide, really. My personal favorites would be Yukio Mishima and Kobo Abe. Mishima's Forbidden Colors and his The Sea of Fertility tetralogy. And Kobo Abe's The Face of Another and The Woman in the Dunes.
Hi! Read both Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And yes I loved the little world of Mr Wind-Up Bird! So can you please suggest something similar to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle? Thank you :)
@joyg95 Murakami has done a great job of writing all his characters in this book. Literally, all women included in the story are nowhere near normality. Each has their own tragic and complicated past filled with misery, depression, loneliness or guilts, that has shaped their characters. So, saying that murakami doesn't know how to write a female character just shows the shallowness and lack of comprehensive abilities of yours.
@@NischalDangol-m3p When I was in college atleast 4 people, including my best friend recommended me this book, they said the character Naoko in Norwegian wood reminded them of me so much. Back then, I was depressed, suicidal and was diagnosed with Bpd during that same time, so it all made sense to me when I read Norwegian wood last year.
I loved Murakami's writing. Honestly, it was the most interesting writing I've come across in my three-year reading journey. However, it took me about three/four months to read the book because of the way it portrays women. It's completely disgusting. They are nothing more than sexual objects for the main character - so much so that when he thinks about them, he only remembers sexual things. I mean, the main character is in love with x woman and can only remember how wonderful her body was or how wonderful the handjob she gave him was? Ew. Ew. Ew. Not to mention that many people felt immense sadness and reflected throughout this book, not me. I didn't feel a single drop of sadness throughout the book. The characters were indifferent to me. I couldn't make a connection with them. I would like to understand the fascination with this book and the author, but I intend to never pick up one of his books again.
I see what you mean. The fastest way to dislike the works of Murakami is to pin down how he writes women. And the treatment of his female characters can distract you from the depth and complexity that underlies his writing. Perhaps once you research his works a bit more, you'll be able to get past that barrier and actually like his fiction?
I have been wanting to read Murakami since long time now. But the spoilers, especially with the account of his multiple sexual encounters just put me off. What's your review.
@@riyashrivastava7657 murakami doesn't sees sex as just sex there is alot of symbolism and metaphor involved although i agree there is a sexual touch. But the book is worth reading. But dont rush it, slowly slowly turn the pages and enjoy every line. As it has some meaning to it. Believe me its a worth read
Norwegian Wood is how I was introduced to the world of Murakami. Murakami is a scientist who can play with characters, plots, and words.
This is so true that the book can be comforting as well as uncomfortable!
I just finished this book and now i can smell rain.Murakami the genius.
I read Norwegian Wood a few months ago, although I heard about and meant to read it years before. But I feel like I read it at a good time, and I was able to somehow draw some comparison to my current point in life: my living abroad by myself, trying to find beauty in all the ugliness, and feeling lonely in a city of millions.
I didn't go into the book expecting a love story, fortunately, which some have pointed out may lead to some disappointments. All I kind of knew about the book was that it's on the life of a young man trying to find love and himself, and a contemporary setting. It's a story I'll keep in a special place in my heart.
It's amazing how just one book, one piece of literature can mean so many things to so many people.
Norwegian Wood has a special place in my heart too, for so many reasons - one of them being, what you said, to try to find beauty (or something like acceptance) in all the ugliness.
@@ReadADayClub I like this line a lot (and I also like that you added the part about acceptance), but I borrowed it from the show Westworld! I have since attempted to make this one of my principles in life, because otherwise, it's much easier to give in and give up on life.
This is my favorite Murakami book. I agree with you that it is not a love story. Most of the folks I know that did not like it, went into it thinking it was a love story. I have not re read it in many years. I'm almost afraid to re read it for fear I won't love it as much as I did the first time.
Oh believe me, you will. 100% percent you will. Norwegian Wood does not let you down no matter how many times you read it.
@@ReadADayClub Hello. coming back here because i literally just finished re reading it. Loved it and annotated it even more with this re read. What do you think of the ending ? Do you think it took place after he said good bye to Reiko or do you think we have jumped back to the beginning in current day at age 37 when he makes that call to Midori?
I go back and forth on this.
@@radiantchristina it was right after he said goodbye to Reiko, the time spent with Reiko just healed him alot after Naoko's dead and he couldnt hold himself to see and talk to Midori at the end. I just refuse to believe that this is a fiction story ((
@@radiantchristinaI feel like, the last paragraph happened in the present when he was in Germany and after recalling all the memories, he couldn't stop himself from calling Midori thinking that it was right after he said goodbye to Reiko. But I think that he never contacted Midori again and he was just cut out from the world confused and went on living. For Midori he was still on the road like he was 17 years earlier, somewhere that she couldn't reach him. That's why the first thing she asked him was, "where are you?". He might be suffering from depression all that time and could never really got over the death of Naoko.
My ex-girlfriend borrowed me this book around 7 years ago because she wanted to infect me with reading passion and she kinda succeed on that.
I don't remember the plot but I remember that it really touched me and I truly discovered the magic of books back then.
Now I am in the middle of 1Q84's third volume and bought used Norwegian Wood just now so I can have it for myself.
Thank you for expressing yourself, very interesting usage of words.
Loved the video, Ayesha! For a book that deals with grief, depression and suicide, I found it strangely cathartic.
Thank you so much! :)
Yeah I can relate to that, I too found it cathartic when I read it for the first time. Like something in me just changed during and after the read.
I love murakami and his first book i read was Norwegian wood and i got hooked i don't understand about people talking about how he writes women bruh his books are about hapless nothing happening enjoying it is the main thing just go with the flow enjoy the plot
Thanks! Keep up the good work. You nicely articulated my own thought process that i felt hard to document after reading this masterpiece.
a precise review and to the point.
Loved the review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching! :):)
Thank you for this lovely recommendation💗💗
Hi Mam
You must try any of Sobers Rodrigues' books. Especially 'The Vasai Side Story'. It's very impactful.
I can not comment on literary milestone of Norwegian wood. But to me its story is something that i will never be able to forget .
To be honest, it hasn't been a very good read for me. In fact, I was sort of disappointed by this book. For some reason, I could not connect with the characters well. Not even single one of them to be honest. But, I loved how you articulated your thoughts about this book. Maybe it was just my first time reading this book, and probably I was not in the right state to really fathom the depth of his words. 🥲 Maybe I will try reading it again some other time, just to get to know, if I can contemplate on a similar level as yours. 😅
I totally get that feeling. Murakami's books often require a certain frame of mind to truly understand what's lurking underneath his words. It took me a second or third read to really get into this book and understand what's actually happening!
Thanks so much for this comment, and hopefully next time you read Norwegian Wood, you'll have a better time with it! :)
Joined you🎉!! Happy to be a part of your community😊💜🤍
Aww, Ayesha!! You're so excellently sweet at explaining. I was searching for good review and i came here not just because of review but because of dim-dim light! I've seen most people where they describe plot which for me makes no sense but here is the actual thing i found in this vedio. Ayesha, thank you so much for making this vedio. Also, your pronunciation is soo good. You're a sweet little bee. Love & prace to you, dear!
Which other books have you read that you mentioned in this video which you found to be better than Norwegian wood..kindly apprise
Woh Woh wait a minute, I was watching videos regarding quants, how did I end up here? God is this is a sign? should I start reading books other than light novels?
Hahaha. Maybe. Murakami always has a way to find you no matter what.
@@ReadADayClub found the whole dedicated subreddit related to murakami's work, and now I have picked books for half of the remaining year!
😅
Have you read «Hear the Wind Sing» by this author? It's a first book of Murakami
norweigan wood was one of my first murakami books and prob the one that i remember the most lol
Same here!
Hey! Just completed it. Jumped to your video.
Hope you enjoyed it, the book. :)
Also one of the first books I read. RUclips recommendation knows about me a bit too much
Excellent review!
Thank you! :)
I read it when i was at my lowest (bad decision ya ik) i believe it somehow altered my brain chemistry.
just finished this and well surely it was comfortable and a lil bit relatable
haha
Hi, Can someone please explain why it is not a love story ? Please. I really wanna know your perspectives.
Just like the intro of Fleabag season 2 , Toru should have said "This is not a Love story" .
Yes, exactly. 😑
Hey, why isn't it a love story at first ? And why all the intimacy then ? Please explain. I just finished reading it and I am just 😕 confused!
Which book you think is the best Japanese novel?
It's so difficult to decide, really. My personal favorites would be Yukio Mishima and Kobo Abe.
Mishima's Forbidden Colors and his The Sea of Fertility tetralogy.
And Kobo Abe's The Face of Another and The Woman in the Dunes.
I felt like it was liquid pain
Haruki Murakami one is my favorite author (I don't know what else I can say)
What a beautiful voice ❤
It is a "lust story"
I feel the same 😂
Yes bcoz at the end Toru sleeps with reiko and becomes like Nagaswaki.😅
😂😂
Beautifully expressed 😗
Thanks a lot 😊
Not his best novel. I think he was "burdened' by his rising fame when he wrote this. Fragmented and light. Pinball was his best book imho.
So accurate.
Before watching, can anyone confirm is there spolier in this video?
I have just completed Norwegian Wood, If possible can you suggest the next Murakami book?
Super! Kafka on the Shore or The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. One after the other worked for me, so don't hold back. :D:D
Ok, thank you for your suggestion! 😄
Hi! Read both Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And yes I loved the little world of Mr Wind-Up Bird! So can you please suggest something similar to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle? Thank you :)
@@shrashanktripathi157hey , if possible please read sputnik sweetheart too...I m sure u love that too and tends to enter Murakamis world.🙂🙂🙂.
@@devi3717 Thank you for your suggestion!😄😄
This man wrote all the women in the book as if he has never interacted with them
Lol, so true. I have only read one book. It was Kafka on the shore and I don't think I am ever gonna pick another one of his book.
womp womp
It's like YOU have never interacted with any like this
@joyg95 Murakami has done a great job of writing all his characters in this book. Literally, all women included in the story are nowhere near normality. Each has their own tragic and complicated past filled with misery, depression, loneliness or guilts, that has shaped their characters. So, saying that murakami doesn't know how to write a female character just shows the shallowness and lack of comprehensive abilities of yours.
@@NischalDangol-m3p When I was in college atleast 4 people, including my best friend recommended me this book, they said the character Naoko in Norwegian wood reminded them of me so much. Back then, I was depressed, suicidal and was diagnosed with Bpd during that same time, so it all made sense to me when I read Norwegian wood last year.
I loved Murakami's writing. Honestly, it was the most interesting writing I've come across in my three-year reading journey. However, it took me about three/four months to read the book because of the way it portrays women. It's completely disgusting. They are nothing more than sexual objects for the main character - so much so that when he thinks about them, he only remembers sexual things. I mean, the main character is in love with x woman and can only remember how wonderful her body was or how wonderful the handjob she gave him was? Ew. Ew. Ew. Not to mention that many people felt immense sadness and reflected throughout this book, not me. I didn't feel a single drop of sadness throughout the book. The characters were indifferent to me. I couldn't make a connection with them. I would like to understand the fascination with this book and the author, but I intend to never pick up one of his books again.
I couldn't complete his books cause of how he writes women. Not the best book for sure
It's not for you then
I see what you mean. The fastest way to dislike the works of Murakami is to pin down how he writes women. And the treatment of his female characters can distract you from the depth and complexity that underlies his writing. Perhaps once you research his works a bit more, you'll be able to get past that barrier and actually like his fiction?
Subbed
I always wonder why people don't read the book of universal knowledge for all aspects of the life of a human being - The Bhagwat geeta ji!!!
Just read this book and I found it to be really mid tbh.
Much hyped book ... Only sucides are persistent throughout the book .... Gloomy character and plots .... Why such book is praised??
Exactly
I wish i could perceive it as much as you did when i read it for the first time.
I had to read this book 3 times to get to this point, really. I began my reading journey with Murakami.
हिन्दी बोलो,हम भारत मैं रहते हैं,इंग्लैण्ड मैं नहीं
Pathos
I just finished the book and its 11 pm in the night
I find myself on the streets of internet.. Miserable
I have been wanting to read Murakami since long time now. But the spoilers, especially with the account of his multiple sexual encounters just put me off. What's your review.
@@riyashrivastava7657 murakami doesn't sees sex as just sex there is alot of symbolism and metaphor involved although i agree there is a sexual touch. But the book is worth reading. But dont rush it, slowly slowly turn the pages and enjoy every line. As it has some meaning to it. Believe me its a worth read
@@ShivamSrivastava-w1r thanks for the insights.
@@riyashrivastava7657 u can always return favour by recommending me something.
Its the worst book I have ever read. Dont even understand why it is so hyped.
I didn't like this book though
Murakami rights in a way that is pleasing to the western audience alone. Even the japanese audience cannot stand his writing.