Author Haruki Murakami
Country Japan
Genre Fiction
Publication Date April 2013
Pages 298
Another Haruki Murakami book that I am absolutely in love with. Some people define him as an exquisite artist and I couldn't agree more. Each book of his that I have read has been a notch better than the one before and that leaves me immensely grateful for such brilliant literature and the opportunity to savour it.
In this book, Haruki Murakami deals with themes of alienation, loneliness and insecurity exceedingly well. This is the story of Tsukuru Tazaki and his group of 4 close friends. During school days, they happen to meet by chance and form a really close relationship. As time passes, one day, these 4 friends suddenly severe their ties with him without giving any concrete reason. This leaves the already insecure and under confident Tsukuru shattered. His life, which was till now centered around these relationships becomes meaningless. Through the course of the book, Haruki traces Tsukuru's travails with this emotional rejection and how, encouraged by his girlfriend he finally decides to deal with it head on and resolve this long overdue emotional issue.
When I reflect on this book and some of its subtle but deep messages; what stays with me is Tsukuru's sense of self and how that is impacted by his constant internal dialogue. This is best brought to life through:
"There must be something in me, something fundamental, that disenchanted people. Maybe I am fated to be alone"
Another strong theme through the book is Tsukuru's insecurity and his constant fear that he would be left alone one day.
"He loved his four friends, loved the sense of belonging he felt when he was with them. Like a young tree absorbing nutrition from the soil, Tsukuru got the sustenance he needed as an adolescent from this group. Still, he had a constant, nagging fear that someday he would fall far away from this intimate community, or be forced out and left on his own"
Finally, as happens in most such cases, Tsukuru spends most of his adult life as insecure, scared and emotionally empty and that takes a toll of his life. His inability to form intimate relationships is a true reflection of this.
"I might have been afraid that if I really loved someone and needed her, one day she might suddenly disappear without a word, and I'd be left all alone."
Personally, I have been hugely impacted by this book and have started thinking about these issues in a completely different light since having read the book. The subtlety and softness with which these hugely complicated themes are conveyed are a true testament to Haruki Murakami's ability as an author.
In summary, I can't thank my friend Yosha enough for introducing me to Haruki Murakami and his work!
