1Q84 (1Q84, #1-3) in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

May 15, 2019 Lucinda rated it liked it · review of another edition

A strange book. I am not sure if I liked it or not. I was compelled to keep reading, even though not much actually happens or is resolved.

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Dec 01, 2011 Jeff Scott rated it it was amazing

Shelves: overdrive-library, science-fiction, fiction, japanese-fiction, favorites, own

Most of the time reading Murakami is like being led through a jungle, seeing amazing bizarre surreal sites that often lead nowhere. I’ve read two of his three major works (Kafka on the Shore, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle). These books have strange and bizarre imagery that make no sense. A man who talks to cats meets Colonel Saunders who skins cats alive and then eats them. In another, men are tortured to confess by being skinned alive. They are often long books and when starting one you never know Most of the time reading Murakami is like being led through a jungle, seeing amazing bizarre surreal sites that often lead nowhere. I’ve read two of his three major works (Kafka on the Shore, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle). These books have strange and bizarre imagery that make no sense. A man who talks to cats meets Colonel Saunders who skins cats alive and then eats them. In another, men are tortured to confess by being skinned alive. They are often long books and when starting one you never know where it will take you. Sometimes you feel lucky that you made it to the other side, forever changed. His characters are often lost, trying to find themselves or some sort of meaning to their life. The philosophy dispensed from past works stays with me always. I was excited when he was coming out with a new work, but when I realized it was a 1,000 page enigma I got the feeling that I was about to go to the bottom of the ocean and not come back up.

In 1Q84, Murakami is more clear and determined to tell his story. He leaves just enough of the surreal to drive the plot, but not so much that he turns down blind alleys. There is always a point in his books where you are left with the feeling “get on with it already!” It’s a major part of his technique (especially in The Wind-up Bird Chronicle). It is a puzzle. Murakami drops piece after piece. The reader must put together a spinning three dimensional puzzle to unlock the secret inside…it’s a love story.

Aomame is an assassin stuck in traffic. She needs to make her hit on time and in order to do so, must do something out of the ordinary. She climbs down an emergency escape off the freeway and in doing so, climbs into another world. A world with two moons, little people, and Air Crysalis. She unknowingly pulls someone else with her. Tengo is a math teacher at a cram school. He is also an aspiring writer. His editor gives him the chance of a lifetime. Edit and re-write a very strange story by a 17 year-old girl. They are in the same world together pulled there by Aomame because of a connection long ago that has always stayed with them. Will they both be able to figure out that connection and cure the loneliness in their hearts?

The story takes place in 1984 and it’s assumed that there is some signficance with Orwell’s 1984. It’s hinted around a bit and used as a jumping off point for conversations, but it isn’t as important. What this story really is about is loneliness and true love. Each character emphasizes this reality. All Tengo’s father knows is being and NHK collector. He is cold. But Tengo’s heart is warmed that he kept something very precious for him, reminding him that he was loved. Aomame has meaningless one night stands in an attempt to feel something. She is also an assassin. It gives her this feeling of being disconnected, like an angel or god-like, but not human, not feeling. The dowager gives her some connection, but she feels the loneliness herself when Aomame is away. Almost as if she is drained of spirit.

Throughout the story are connections between Aomame and Tengo. Janacek’s Sonofietta, their backrounds, and other mysteries demonstrate the connection. This is the puzzle for the reader to solve. I was very annoyed at the start of Book 3 because t seems that Murakami slows the plot WAY down. He introduces another character for seemingly no purpose other than to slow things down. His secret is revealed at the end in an amazing way!

I will always remember the connection at the end. I will never look at a playground slide or the moon in the same way again.
When I finish a book like this, I really like to sit and remember it, not wanting to start something new. It’s almost like a mourning of the book, with the review as a eulogy. It’s something for me to remember long after I’ve moved on to other books. I think this one will stay with me for a while. ...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Amy Crehore rated it really liked it

Loved this til about 2/3rds of the way in. Then I really just wanted it to get to the point and be done already. I love Murakami's writing but I have to say, I'm usually disappointed by the endings. ...more

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