“What do you like about his book?” A friend asked when we were at MPH scouting for a good bargain.
“It is really good lah!” I replied.
“What about it that you think it’s good?” he questioned with curiosity of a cat.
“It’s damn perverted ok!” I said.
“How perverted?” He refused to give up.
“Uhm… about how people having sex even in dreams.” I replied weakly.
“That’s not perverted!” he laughed.
“Yeah! Just like wet dreams!” I thought to myself. It felt like I just slapped myself hard across the face.
Perverted is definitely not a word to describe Mr Haruki Murakami’s work. In fact, I find there isn’t any precise word to describe Mr Murakami. “Brilliant! Work of a Genius! Virtuous! Sublime!” are some cliché accolades printed from cover to cover carrying no meaning, unless you get yourself immersed by the lyrical prose and the jazzy charm of his words.
A new addition to his short stories collection, “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” carries a caution note on the cover – “A warning to new readers of Haruki Murakami: You will become addicted…”. Warning came too late. I was as addicted as a junkie to heroin the moment I opened the Pandora Box in The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles.
To sum my awe and admiration for this Japanese writer, I couldn’t simply put the addiction into words. Perhaps, I will try to illustrate it.
My beautician complained of the dark rings and eye bags under my eyes getting worse; proof of staying up awake most nights just to read another page yet another yet another of Norwegian Wood till way past my bed time.
Evidence of vivid dreams arising from reading the Elephant Vanishes – weird creatures of jelly fishes with man’s face, dead babies, kidnap rush, elephants falling from the sky, landslide, teddy bears and Greek God – need I say more?
Appearing in trance-like state when I was on the way to work after I found out the true identity of Oshima in Kafka on the Shore.
When I had reached the final few chapters of every book, I tried to slow down my reading pace before I hit the book stores again to get another. Like a chain smoker, lighting up a cigarette one after another and quitting cold turkey might just kill you.
I could go on and on and yet, I couldn’t find suitable words to describe his work. He exudes this enigmatic aura in his stories. It draws you deeper as you plunge into the darkness of his spell binding stories… and made you crave for more.
To keep things simple, I would say, it’s “Ferociously addictive and readers are advised to proceed with caution”. It’s a waste that I don’t see his books hitting the best selling list in our local book stores. If you miss Haruki Murakami’s work, you might not have read fiction at all.
20 Comments, Comment or Ping
Really that good meh?! borrow…borrow…
August 7th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Wah.. so fast comment?? I belum lagi siap edit! Hahahahha!!!!
August 7th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Also ah, are you implying that it is good because it is full of perversion?
August 7th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Well, instead of the word “perversion”, let’s say he thinks like no other. It’s even 10x higher than perversion. He’s… extraordinary.
August 7th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I see he is all over Amazon, so maybe I can find him at Borders too. Is there a particular book that should be read first. Though I must admit it might be two or three years before it gets to the front of my current reading list.
One of the problems of reading for me is that when I am writing I don’t want taint myself and catch someone else’s voice.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
SA: When is your book coming out?
Can I get it autographed? Perhaps you should wait before you read his work. He’s afterall a seasoned writer and very much experienced and said to be one of the best in Japan. As for starter – I did The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles. It got me hooked ever since. Norwegian Wood would be a safe bet to start reading Murakami – it’s lighter, nevertheless poignant and it could still stir your soul.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I would have to autograph a DVD. Currently I am writing a screenplay. Though I would love to put it in a novel format too. But I would be happy to autograph whatever I publish (if ever).
This screenplay has a toe in the door so I have to move quickly. And it can get slammed at any moment. Because life is like that.
August 8th, 2007 at 12:35 am
I read Kafka on the Shore. His books are brilliant and full of surprises. Very imaginative writer…
Maybe I will try to get the Elephant Vanishes soon! Sounds interesting
August 8th, 2007 at 11:30 am
books? (fainted)
sorry.
August 8th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
SA: Wow!! A screen play! Is that why you lock your posts? So only selected few could get sneak preview? Hehe. Whatever it is, wishing you all the best. Very nicely illustrated. I get what you mean. Seize the day! Carpe diem!
Blinky: The Elephant Vanishes is a collection of short stories. I still prefer his novel. Perhaps you can try the Wind Up Bird Chronicles or Norwegian Wood first.
laymank: Books are not for the “faint hearted”. Pun intended. Haha!
August 8th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I can’t wait to lay my hands on it. After constantly hearing you gushing about him. LOL. He must have been an awesome author if it could make you so excited and awe.
Then again, I really need to finish that book you by Paul Coehol you lend to me earlier. You got me so excited and worked up on Haruki Murakami. Gosh. Pssst… i fancy peeking into his perverted mind. LOL
August 8th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
i read his books too and look for one after another. still can’t explain what’s so good about his style of writing too.
August 8th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
if u r not into your current profession, i think you can also do a good job in marketing apart from writing. hahaha
August 8th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
If you would like to peek drop me an email.
August 8th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Kleio: Now you have to be in waiting list. Since this post, a lot of people been asking to borrow the books! I have only 6 so far.
epicuriousgirl: Hah! You got addicted and trapped in the loop as well huh?? Guess we are on the same band wagon! Welcome to the Club!
ml: Hahahhaha. Marketing pulak. It’s too bad I am not in sales. Think I should put my convincing words to get me some money.
SA: I just did. Thanks.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:32 am
I love his “100% Perfect Girl”… I remember reading it, then a few years later, Ted Mahsun found a YouTube clip of some young people making it into a short film. So I think I know what you mean… there’s something surreal and elusive about his writing…
August 9th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Kenny Mah: 100% Perfect Girl? There is this book? I don’t remember that title. I will check. Heh! Yes. He is like no other.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Hello, just dropping by.
100% Perfect Girl is not a book, it’s a short story found in The Elephant Vanishes… if you’re looking for it.
August 15th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Ooh btw, Kenny was referring to this video if you’re interested.
August 15th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Ted: Oh Yah!! The full title is On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning. Now I remember when I clicked on the links. Cool stuffs you have there! I will drop by more often!
August 15th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Reply to “Haruki Murakami”