Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

1960’s Japan; Romance; Modern Classic

Book Summary

Norwegian Wood draws upon the main character Toru, a quiet, pensive college student in Tokyo, unique in many different respects. During his isolated college days, he finds small reminiscences beautifully weaved in the world around him, like his favourite Beatles song, that conjure up the memory of his first love- Naoko, the introspective and delicate girlfriend of Toru’s best friend Kizuki.

However, after the devastating and unexpected death of Kizuki, Toru and Naoko find grief subtly pushing them in different directions, questioning the strength of their love amidst grief’s tempestuous clutch. In the solitude of his new life, Toru finds himself drawn to Midori, an eccentric and fiercely independent character, whos passion and strong-will is the utter opposite of quiet Naoko, who finds herself silently retreating into the melancholy depths of her worsening mental health.

Toru is now forced to make ultimate decisions between past and present, Naoko and Midori, while also discovering himself, in this beautifully strange coming of age story.

"If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking."

Is this book perfect for me?

This book is perfect for readers that would love to enter the magical world of 1960's Japan. This novel marvellously blends the music, mood, and overall aura of Japan in the sixties with the story of one contemplative college student's romantic coming of age. Norwegian Wood sensationally encapsulates the beauty of a young man's hopeless and vigorous love, while also beautifully illustrating the feel of 1960's Japan.

This book is also perfect for readers that enjoy a unique romance entwined with the complexity of time on frail human emotions. The plotline of this novel centres around a complicated love triangle, highlighting the main character's inner dubiety when it comes to maintaining meaningful connections and navigating the paradox of young love.

“I have a million things to talk to you about. All I want in this world is you. I want to see you and talk. I want the two of us to begin everything from the beginning."