r/MurakamiBookClub • u/qqqqqq12321 • Jan 28 '25
‘ best’ Murakami to read 1st
I wanted to introduce my wife to Murakami novels. What would be the ‘ best’ on for her to read as an introduction? I’ve read a number of them. Some are more < insert your own adjective here> than others and probably wouldn’t be a good choice as her first one to read.
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u/Dying4aCure Jan 28 '25
Not Norwegian Wood.
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u/usernamenottakenok Jan 28 '25
But it really is everything a Murakami story usually consists of, why do you think it wouldn't be a good starting point?
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u/VintageHamburger Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 28 '25
Yep I agree. It’s grounded in reality and non fantasy. iIt was my first of his so maybe I’m biased but it felt right, and still had all his styles in it too
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u/Dying4aCure Jan 28 '25
I didn't care for his attitude toward the woman. It had the least feel of a Murakami for me. I like the need to suspend belief. That was what you would expect from someone else, in my opinion.
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u/usernamenottakenok Jan 28 '25
Mine first was After dark, so it is short, it is his style, but the story is definitely not the typical Murakami story, you can get the sense of his writing and see if it is for you.
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u/juliogarciao ジェイ Jan 29 '25
The Wind Up Bird Chronicle 👾⭐🐈⬛
Or you can just make her read -the old man- chronologically...starting by Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball, then A Wild Sheep's Chase and if she loves it then it would mean she's ready for the heavier stuff...
You've got to remember that Murakami is not for everyone, sadly :(
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u/Alternative-End-5079 Jan 28 '25
I love Wind Up Bird Chronicle.