Mad for Murakami

Sunday 24 July 2016

Hello everyone! 

I am back again with another Haruki Murakami review! I know I only recently wrote a post about Norwegian Wood, but I enjoyed that so much that I decided to read another of his books. Today I'll be talking about South of the Border and West of the Sun. 


This book is another stunning read, I actually enjoyed it a lot more than Norwegian Wood as it wasn't tinged with the same sadness. It follows the narrator Hajime as he journeys from twelve years old to his late thirties. Hajime is definitely a character who lacks direction, always searching for that special indefinable quality in life. As a twelve year old he found this in his close friend Shimamoto, but after he moved away they lost touch and life got in the way. In his early thirties he bumps into his future wife, settles down with her, has two daughters and grows two successful businesses. However, he still can't shake that longing for the girl he used to love. 

One plain, rainy day she walks back into his life sending him into a spiral of desire, confusion, guilt and elation. His feelings for her remain, but is she worth walking away from the life he built? The concept of this was really interesting, I think a lot of people are questing for something unknown, that "missing" factor that would make their life perfect and their souls complete. This book addresses this is a very clever way, taking us through each emotion as Hajime feels it. 

At first I thought he should walk away and be with the love of his life, but as I read further I changed my mind. I don't believe she was right for him, she might have been at one stage, but not now. She is mysterious, beautiful, funny and clever, but also dark and full of pain. She is a woman who needs saving, but might not want to be saved. I'm not going to spoil this by telling you what he chose or how the book ended, but I will say that I was uplifted by the ending and filled with hope. Hajime comes through his spiral, becoming a better man and knowing more about himself than he could ever have hoped. 

Murakami's narrative is utterly spellbinding, whenever I read his books I feel as though I am really there. I can see it, smell it, hear it and above all feel it. His descriptive prose and deeply relatable characters leave an imprint on your mind long after you put the book down. I would say that anyone starting university or facing a tumultuous time of life should read this book. 


Have you read this? Let me know what you thought in the comments below :-) 

xoxo

P.S. Follow my Facebook here

14 comments :

  1. I definitely need to get back into the habit of reading! How do you make time?

    xo
    Lipstickvillain.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use reading as my chill out time :-) I read in my work breaks and in the evenings! It's so important to make time for yourself.
      xoxo

      Delete
  2. I love Murakami but I haven't read that one. It's definitely going on my reading list :) Thanks for the idea!

    fashionabejita.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm trying.. very slowly to get back to reading as often as I used to, but just never have enough time. I really liked how you described this book. I too love books when I can actually feel like I'm there, feel, see and empathise over the characters like I really knew them x

    harrieescribbles.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This book is quite short, so it's easier to find the time to read it! Evocative books are always the best, there is nothing to match a good book hangover :-)
      xoxo

      Delete
  4. I haven't heard this book before, but I must say it sounds interesting and catchy!

    Ela BellaWorld

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a really compelling book and I would recommend it to anyone! :-)
      xoxo

      Delete
  5. Have to read this one, sounds so interesting! Thank you for the tips! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This book sounds good! It's embarrassing, but I actually have read any of Murakami's books! I really love the cover of this one :)

    COLLEENWELSCH.COM | An LA Lifestyle Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not embarrassing to not have read it :-) There are plenty of things I haven't got around to reading yet!
      xoxo

      Delete
  7. Love this book! Murakami quotes are really amazing. Such a good read! Great blog you have, stay inspired!


    xoxo,

    www.fashionerza.com

    I can rock any outfits, come follow my online diary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I completely agree, his books are works of art :-) Thank you, that's very sweet.
      xoxo

      Delete

Made With Love By The Dutch Lady Designs