Questions About The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

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Answered Questions (35)

Just started on this one and so far I like it very much! Anyone else?

Dario Zampetti I feel myself squeezed in between different feelings. Even if I found this book so well written to keep myself going on reading like crazy, I consider…moreI feel myself squeezed in between different feelings. Even if I found this book so well written to keep myself going on reading like crazy, I consider the plot totally pointless.
The author starts a long series of circles without really closing many. The story doesn't stand, it doesn't go anywhere. Characters are thrown in form every angle without any particular reason.
A total plot collapse since the Nutmeg entering, running to an end which explains nearly zero.
Even if, I must say I enjoyed reading it. (less)

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What did you think of it? Is it one of Murakami's better books?

Nicole Miles It's funny, I actually had the completely opposite reaction to Elizabeth. Ultimately I really didn't enjoy this one (main problems with the story itse…moreIt's funny, I actually had the completely opposite reaction to Elizabeth. Ultimately I really didn't enjoy this one (main problems with the story itself; I generally find Murakami's writing faultless - but maybe that's down to good translation??). However, I loved Norwegian Wood. I think as far as Murakami goes, it seems rather subjective. His storytelling is fluid and accessible, his stories are often surreal or, at the very least, have surreal elements. Norwegian Wood has less surreal elements than The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and many people start with the former (obviously you don't have to). Personally, I would suggest trying a shorter introduction to Murakami than Wind-Up Bird Chronicle in the event you don't end up liking it as this one demands quite a large investment of your time and attention and could easily put you off Murakami altogether if it's not to your tastes which would be a shame.(less)

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Nich Very interesting analysis. I also wondered about who this character was and why Nutmeg's husband was so brutally murdered. I got the sense her husband…moreVery interesting analysis. I also wondered about who this character was and why Nutmeg's husband was so brutally murdered. I got the sense her husband had done something wrong though (not sure why, maybe because he cheated on her) and was a "bad" character. In comparison, the faceless man always helps Okada and I am not sure from what Nutmeg said, that her husband would help Okada. But now that I write it out, I think your theory is very plausible, more so than this one. Thanks for giving a possible answer to 2 of my questions (less)

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It's never explained what Toru does for clients in the house with the dry well. He is supposedly getting paid well, and that's how he is making mortgage payments on it. Anybody figure out what he is doing in the"fitting room"?

Nich My theory: the first time he gets paid by Nutmeg, he goes to the house and a woman comes in the room when he is blind-folded, and licks the spot on hi…moreMy theory: the first time he gets paid by Nutmeg, he goes to the house and a woman comes in the room when he is blind-folded, and licks the spot on his cheek. After he leaves, he tells us that he "sold his flesh" and compares it to Creta Kano prostituting herself. I think you can insinuate that his mark had some kind of powers that he was able to transfer to these women clients and that that is what he did there. Probably, this happened by them licking it the way he describes it during his first visit to the Asaka's office, but it could be through some other form.(less)

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Is this the best book for someone who reads Murakami for first time? Or is it "Kafka on the shore"? I chose those two, based on the summary, because I love cats, mystery, travel and magical realism. Well?

Mateusz Murakami is weird. Some people love him other cannot stand him. And both books you mention are on the long side. If you want to just give him a try I …moreMurakami is weird. Some people love him other cannot stand him. And both books you mention are on the long side. If you want to just give him a try I would recommend After Dark. It is a nice short book easier to digest and giving good idea what you may expect from Murakami. If you like it go for Wind-up Bird Chronicle - one of the best books I ever read.(less)

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