Cheers mate. I actually have Goodbye Tsugumi on my to-read list. I'll check it out.

I can't think of any books that are dead on, but here are a few suggestions that are in the general area.

Kitchen - Banana Yoshimoto

and

Naomi - Tanizaki Junichiro


Banana Yoshimoto is a modern pop fiction writer (like Murakami) so her book might be a little closer. Junichiro is prewar. The book is set during the Taisho Period I believe, when western influence in Japan was high.

If you end up enjoying Kitchen then take a look at Goodbye Tsugumi by the same author as well. Definitely has a melancholy feel to it.

Interesting. I'll certaintly look into this. Thanks mate.

Michael Chabon's first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh.

I've been an avid fan of HM for about a year and have devoured almost all of his novels. However, my favourite is easily Norwegian Wood.

Thus, I was wondering if there were other novels ( by other writers) that have a similar melancholy feel to them, with good prose, poignancy and subtle humour.

I did a bit of research but didn't really find what I was looking for.

Thank you very much.

(PS: I have read both TCITR and The Great Gatsby. Loved them both )