CJ

Rating: 4.5/5

My second Dostoevsky work I’ve read and I’m blown away. Here is an author writing one hell of a page turner, exploring themes of depravity, misery, and so much more in a mesmerizing way. Frustrating, occasionally hilarious, but never boring.

In a span of around 130+ pages, Dostoevsky imbues so much life with this book, striking the perfect balance between a meditative, thought-provoking read, and an utterly hilarious yet tragic read of an underground man shunned by those around him.

The way it’s structured sets it apart from most narrative books, although I’m probably just saying this as I admittedly haven’t read that much. Despite that I can confidently say that its unique structure worked for me as seeing Dostoevsky go ham with how in-depth the ramblings of the Underground Man get in different aspects of life, eventually progressing to his own encounters, felt like a natural progression of events.

I’ve never really seen themes as bleak as depravity and misery examined in a way that somehow brings comfort to my own struggles until now, so I’m glad I read this one. There’s probably more things that either flew past my head or that I only scratched the surface of, but overall, I’m pretty satisfied with my experience.

Fascinating read detailing a variety of encounters and situations occurring deep into the night of Tokyo, Japan. Rich emphasis towards long, drawn-out and worthwhile conversations with strangers, while still being sprinkled with surrealist ideas courtesy of Murakami’s signature style, this was pretty decent overall.

The best part of this book is easily the dialogue between its cast, and how you get to know more about them through these interactions that are very long yet flow pretty smoothly. Absolutely adored every second of Mari and Takahashi just talking about their experiences in life and I could read through their conversations all day.

It wouldn’t be Murakami without magical realism and surrealist ideas thrown into the mix, and the part where the point of view switches to an omniscient narrator was a bit of a mixed bag. Murakami’s prose and imagery shines through this section but it took a while for me to click what most of it meant and its purpose in shaping the story.

Maybe I’ll revisit this one some other time but for now this remains the weakest (still good!) novel I’ve read from him.

Rating: 3.5/5

Simple and straightforward prose doesn’t lessen the impact this book has as a contemplative read towards a man’s life in heaven, what he lived for, why he lived in the first place, and to an extent, our lives as well.

It’s a thought-provoking read with many life lessons discussed per chapter, ranging from interconnected lives between strangers, what we give and gain in sacrifice, and how we cherish the memories of those who we love before their passing. Felt lots of emotions throughout.

I do think some of the lessons feel a bit “in your face” and could’ve used more subtlety in its delivery and how I find some chapters a little lacking in the “lesson” department compared to others, but nevertheless, this is a read that will take you on a journey of acceptance, self-reflection, and self-discovery. Genuinely a book that heals, comforts, and warms the soul.