The average user rating for this Book is 8.5 out of 10 (based on 50 Votes).
charles k gave it a9: surreal yet logical. the coincidence of humanity relates all of us.
Becca L gave it a10: This was the first and only Murakami book I've ever read. It was recommended to me by a friend and I must say, I think it is one of the greatest books I've ever read. As you're reading it it seems as if it's just another story, but with greater descriptions. There is one point though, where everything in the story clicks. That's what makes this such a good book. It goes from a simple story to this deeper meaning, philisophical blend of description and knowledge. It's absoluetly amazing and I am planning on reading it again soon.
Dan B. gave it a3: It's not a horrible book, but it's simply not worth it, for the length. If it were half the length, perhaps. But my edition (UK mass paperback) was 600+, and a book's got to be really, really good, to justify that sort of length. Nothing in this book justifies itself. Furthermore, the prose is vague, and lazy. The scenes are all bloated. The conversations are also bloated. I've read quite a few Murakami books and stories before, and have had mixed but positive reactions to them. This, though, is my last. It's like he doesn't even try to write well, tightly, or coherently. And you can call that artistry, if you want, but I think it's just laziness. He ought to have spent another month or four on this book, cutting the fat. If he can't be bothered, then why should the reader bother?
phyllis w gave it a10: A compelling, humanistic dream-like make-over of Oedipus Rex with the Sopheclean wisdom that ambiguity brings. The cat whisperer, truck driver plot brings in the stuff of magic that incomprehensible reality is made from.
C S gave it a10: Something about the book drew me in and kept me there. People's complaints seem to be of excessive mysticism... think a little deeper and pay closer attention to the connections between everything in the novel. If one does this then the hidden thoughts and beliefs come forth illustrating an interesting and complex idea of themes in today's society, about today's world, and the human soul among many others. I enjoy making conclusions for myself, and not being led by the hand through plots and thematic ideologies, Murakami definitely makes sure to allow the reader the space to use their imagination while still guiding them through his own ideas and thoughts. Overall an amazing book, read it closely or a second time and you shall love it all the more. P.S. Murakami leaves the reader asking many question about themselves and their surroundings after reading any of his novels, often these may make one feel partially uncomfortable with the honesty with which the reader feels compelled to answer.
Jack M gave it a9: surreal, sexy, substantial, this novel seeps through the psyche like espresso.
Matt S gave it a10: excellent
John M gave it a9: Fun and interesting!
James T gave it a9: Not in my favorites by Murakami (Hard Boiled and Wind Up Bird still own that spot) but a book I liked very much. Plenty of ideas left hanging but Murakami's world is surreal and not for people who need loose ends tightened. As always when the story was over I felt like a friend had left town.
mike s gave it an8: really enjoyed the book and could not put it down. It's a book to be not only read but psycho-analyzed as it does feel a bit like therapy while reading. Has a stream of consciousness feel that is both its strengths and its flaws. Fun to read and thought-provoking, simple, and a good introduction to Murakami.
Patricia A gave it a6: very intriguing but just disappointing at the end, you can get carried away by the wonderful descriptions and the art and philosophy knowledge of Murakami, but at the end, nothing fits with nothing, good if you want hesitant endings and pointless elements
Yuri V gave it a10: Is Miss Saeki really Kafka’s mother ? Were the children including Nakata interfered with by a UFO ? Is Johnnie Walker the sculptor Tamura’s soul/ghost caught in limbo? Has the Boy named Crow just flown in from a Carlos Casteneda book? Is Kafka Tamura living the prophecy of Oedipus? How is it that Nakata and Kafka are in the picture as well as Miss Saeki ? Does the record ‘Kafka on the Shore’ exist outside the novel ? Another masterpiece from Haruki Murakami or is that Murakami Haruki ?
denii f gave it a10: orgasmic in so many ways. genius of the modern novel.
Adrienne S gave it a5: Wacky, but very unsatisfying. A major disapointment when compared with his other works especialy the Wind-up Bird Chronicle. Goofy and superficial. The transalation seems a bit rough as well.
Daniel B gave it a10: Simply awe-inspiring. A beautiful little maze of a novel, rich in imagination and devoid of pretention despite its lofty ambitions. After reading this book I've become a HUGE fan of his work. You owe it to yourself to check this out.
Armilla C gave it a10: Even though the actions that pull you through and keep you turning the pages in this fat novel are mostly internal, metaphorical and spiritual, you might only marvel at how much suspense they exert and how surprising the journey. Everything is specific and concrete but also metaphorical. The book will give you a fast but contemplative ride, and a lot of details to chew on afterwards. Have fun!
envy a gave it a7: interesting, hard to grasp, couldn't put it down, yet... not as good as his other books. still, his failures are better than so many authors' successes.
Nick R gave it a6: There's a good novel in there somewhere. But this book's too loose and lazy. And if the translation really does do justice to the original, as Japanese-readers suggest, then Murakami must take the blame for "Jeez, Louise" and the use of dollars.
Paul G gave it a7: Not one of his best, stylish and inventive but ultimately unsatisfying. Most of the characters seem distant and incomplete and the two storylines never gel anything like as well as in Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
Albert Z gave it a10: Marvelous writer with a touch of magic. You become part of the story! Can't wait to read some of his other books.
Cat e gave it a10: Classic Murakami. If you love, and have missed, "early Murakami" like "A Wild Sheep Chase" and "Hard-Boiled Wonderland," this book is for you. It is a marvellous ride--poignant, surprising, sad, and moving. And there are talking cats. What more can you want?
Jon H. gave it a10: Murakami does it again, I read this book in just two sittings ( and I'm a slow reader ) , may not be as good as the Windup Bird or Norwegian Wood but still never once was I bored.
Hollis H gave it a10: Wonderful novel! The closest thing to Richard Brautigan since he passed. Highly recommended!
Dob gave it a9: almost as good as wind-up bird chronicle.... a brilliant read nevertheless
s. a. gave it a7: his worst yet. bought it in europe where it came out a little earlier and was disappointed. he is becoming a little too reader-friendly, a little dumbed down.
go poi gave it a5: Dreamy, but in a snoozy, yawny way.
Stavros M gave it a10: Murakami is the world's greatest living novelist--no contest.
Evan gave it a10: Murakami's new book. Enough said.
Jacob K gave it a9: One of Murakami's best. Has the metaphysical musings and serenity of Wind-Up Bird Chronicles combined with the gripping plot of Norwegian Wood. You can't tie up all the loose ends, but you'll have fun trying...and you'll never look at your cat in the same way again.
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