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Poorva Parashar asked this question about Kafka on the Shore:
WHY is this book so loved? I mean, I didn't gain anything out of it. I'm not asking this as an insult. I genuinely want to know what the special thing about this book is.
Oya Yilmaz Most probably it depends on the current emotional/mental state of a person to determine whether he/she can relate to the chords of any given Murakami …moreMost probably it depends on the current emotional/mental state of a person to determine whether he/she can relate to the chords of any given Murakami book. I'm not talking about the narrative since I personally don't care about the plot when I'm reading his books. It's the magical realism that touches me. It might sound weird but whenever I'm reading one of his books, let's say Kafka on the Shore, I find myself instantly synching to the "alternate" reality of the things around me. So I guess it's totally normal if one thinks it's "absolute nonsense" while another feels like reading his/her own journal that is never written.

I highly doubt that I would enjoy Kafka on the Shore if I read it ten years ago though. It's been two years since I've begun reading him and have just found myself in a situation where I do feel familiar with everything he's telling about. In my case, it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

So, if you didn't find it relatable somehow, I'd humbly advise not to worry. We're not talking about a high "gusto" or something. To be honest, I identify Murakami's books as "easy-reading".

Therefore I believe that it's a matter of the state of mind you're in. You may try to read it once again several years later. (B/C I think it's worth the attempt) But if you don't like it anyway, that would again be just normal.

P.S: I would sacrifice a lot for a spin-off of Nakata and Oshima! :)(less)
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Kafka on the Shore
by Haruki Murakami
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