‘Norwegian Wood’ Book Review

When I first looked at this book, I assumed that the book was going to be dark and depressive by looking at the front cover. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn’t expect the romance, the humor and the different turns of events that occured in the plot. The story focuses on loss and sexuality, first loves and letting go.

The story follows the protagonist Toru Watanabe, who looks back on his days as a college student living in Tokyo. Through Toru’s reminiscences we see the development of his relationships. The two very different women in his life are Naoko and Midori. I noticed that the relationships he had with them were very unusual.

Also, I noticed that Murakami isn’t afraid to express the emotions and feelings through these characters that other authors wouldn’t necessarily approach. His language and use of narration is simply outstanding. I was thoroughly engaged in this story all the way through and I couldn’t wait to turn over the page and see what happened next.

I have to say this is one of my favourite reads of the year so far! It’s challenging to read at times but the narrator always had you in the palm of their hand. I also researched this author and found out that there is a Japanese film adaptation of this book but lacks the same empathy and structure. If you want to read a brilliantly written novel with lots of surprises then this is the book for you. I fully enjoyed reading this book and would definitely read it again!

I give it 5 stars!

Written by Emma-Jane Barlow

 Emma-Jane Barlow is a 30 year-old author, poet, writer and autism advocate from the UK. She has been writing poetry since the age of seven and finds comfort in writing about her life experiences. She has two published books and is currently working on a third.

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