1Q84 01: Book 1 - Chapters 1-4

[Kristi]

Ok, here we go! What are you thoughts on this first section??

[Zulfiya]

Bold! Thank you, Kristi! His prose is also elusive and unpredictable as well as the novel. I will post more detailed and coherent message as soon as I am done with the first four chapters!

[Michelle]

I was fascinated by Aomame's first chapter. First order of business was to go listen to the Sinfionetta since it seemed so integral to the first moments of the book. I definitely recommend that you look it up if you haven't heard it. I also wonder if the cab driver will be a part of the story later since he was the cause of her unusual journey in the beginning.

Tengo's first memories - whoa! Was anyone else aware of the sex in this book? I'm not offended by it, but I had no idea that I should be expecting it! I do wonder if he'll ever find out who the man is with his mother and if that will be an integral piece of the story or if it's just a part of who he is. I like his character. He seems genuine and earnest, and Komatsu seems to be a good contrast to him.

Aomame's second chapter - more sex! Sheesh! Anyway, I was really surprised to find that she is an assassin. I would have never guessed that from the descriptions of her in the first chapter. This also makes her a great foil to Tengo.

Tengo's second chapter introduced Fuka-Eri, and despite her weirdness, I really like her. She's no nonsense and blunt, which is not what you'd expect from any author.

Anyway, I'm going to post more once the discussion gets rolling, but these were just some of my initial thoughts.

[Andrea]

Murakami doesn't shy away from sex, even of weird kind. This is my sixth book by him, and yeah.. I'm pretty much expecting it.

[Michelle]

This is my first Murakami, so I had no idea. It's a great book, though!

[Rosemary]

This is only my second Murakami. The first I read was The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I like this one so far although I think it could be more concise.

I think you can already see that Murakami likes women. I mean that in a good way. Aomame and Fuka-Eri are both weird in their different ways but they are presented affectionately.

Does anyone else think that Fuka-Eri didn't write the Chrysalis book? Or not without help, anyway? I'm wondering who (or what) Tengo is going to meet on Sunday!

[Michelle]

Don't fret Rosemary, the lack of conciseness is not without purpose. Some stuff that seems unimportant now matters a lot later on (I'm almost finished with the book).

I don't know that it really crossed my mind that Fuka-Eri didn't write the book, but her manner is so unusual that something seemed up with it.

I do like Murakami's treatment of women. Like you said, they're unusual, but you can tell he likes the characters he created. I'd even go so far as to say he likes the female characters more than the male characters. Tengo is a nice character, but he doesn't have the depth of the other two in my opinion.

[Stephanie]

Hello All,

I will definitely comment later...almost finished and don't want to stop to talk at the moment--will definitely want to talk in about a week :P. I am loving it, though, obviously. This is my second Murakami and I find it strange that the other one is Norwegian Wood which I love, but I don't remember it being that full of sex. Weirdness, yes. Sex, not so much. Anyway, I find it strange that I've only read is 'Japanese' novels...from what I've been reading the others could be set anywhere, but Norwegian Wood and 1Q84 are definitely Japan. Maybe I'll read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle next...

Oh and reading Infinite Jest totally prepared me for this roller coaster ride...my friend says we read big books to exercise our reading muscles...

ok, for real back to reading and hanging out with the kiddo...will check in again on sunday! :D

[Zulfiya]

Is anyone listening to the book? I am enjoying it the choice of the narrators, and the language actually comes alive - it is so tangible.
Murakami's prose is also very intelligent and is full of cultural, literary, and historical allusions.

[Michelle]

I'm done with the book now, but I would be interested in getting the audio book to listen to on my commute if it's good.

And yes! I love the allusions! It makes me want to go back and watch/read some of the things he mentioned throughout the book.

[Zulfiya]

I finished listening to this section this morning, and I am in awe of Murakami and interpreters. His prose is elegant, intelligent, sophisticated without being arrogant. The translators so far are also impeccable - they virtually re-created the Murakami's world seamlessly. My narrators are excellent, the voice for Aomame is neat, sweet, has that twist you would expect from her character while Tengo's voice has the Japanese masculine tart and virile bitterness.
As far as the story is concerned, we understand that something is going on, and these two lines will possibly converge in the future, but so far, there are only stirrings of suspicion.

[Andrea]

I find that a lot of male protagonists of Murakami's are very similar. All of them are sort of floating through life, having very noncommittal relationships and no particular goals. I wonder how much the author puts himself into the character. Tengo comes off as a similar kind of person, at least in my opinion.

I am intrigued by Aomame. Murakami's females that I've encountered so far (I have already mentioned that this is my 6th book by the author) have been either troubled introverts or spunky energizer bunnies. Aomame is neither of these and I'm curious to see where he is going to take her.

[Kristina]

I picked up the book and realized...this is the perfect book to tone up my arms. I finished the first section and I will say that Murakami has sucked me in and my arms are going to remain disgusting until spring.

The writing so far is fantastic. It writing does not feel forced or too wordy. The characters are interesting and flawed...which makes them believable. I am looking forward to the next section.

[Stephanie]

oh no, i like slacker boys! i have loved both male protagonists in the murakami books i have read. i especially like tengo. aomame is pretty kick a**, so much so i keep on seeing her played by the actress in the show nikita...although she's chinese...i think.

[Kristina]

Stephanie wrote: "oh no, i like slacker boys! i have loved both male protagonists in the murakami books i have read. i especially like tengo. aomame is pretty kick a**, so much so i keep on seeing her played by the ..."

I have to laugh. Aomame reminds me of Sharon Stone's character in Basic Instinct...just not as messy, but likes a weapon the shape of an ice pick.

[Stephanie]

now that's an awesome combination!

[Kristi]

I'm listening to this book to Zulfiya! I agree with you about their choice of narrators, they are really making the book come alive!

I don't know that I have much to add to the posts that have been already made, but I am really enjoying this book, and I had wondered if I would!

I love how Aomame is so strong, the first couple times we saw her I wondered how her character would evolve...Loving her, as I love most strong, Kick a$$ (thank you Stephanie!) lead female characters. Tengo...I'm still on the fence about weather I like him or not...we'll see.

[Amy]

Chapter 1
What a good start! I thought something was going to happen to Aomame. She kept mentioning an uneasy feeling, and the taxi driver seemed strange, telling a women about the stairs. I will have to listen to that Sinfonietta later.

Chapter 2
I like Tengo. Komatsu, not so much. Tengo's memory about a man sucking on his mother's tit was strange, especially considering how young he was. I am sure this is a character-defining incident. We'll see.

Chapter 3
Whoa! I was not expecting that. This explains why she is nervous around police and why she knows what kind of weapons they normally carry. Her reminiscing about being sexually explorative with a friend might also be character-defining.

Chapter 4
Fuka-Eri is very strange. I'm not sure what I think of her, but it's obvious Tenfold is drawn to her.
__________

This is my first time reading Murakami. I haven't read y'all's comments yet. I only have internet access from my phone right now, so I will most likely be out of commission for a while, but I am reading the book and will join in on the discussion as soon as I can.

[Rosemary]

Amy wrote: "it's obvious Tenfold is drawn to her"

LOL! I know that's probably your phone doing an autocorrect, but it's a cool nickname for him!

[Amy]

Hilarious! I proofread my post before I hit send, but I obviously missed one. These damn phones!

[Deana]

Finished this first section yesterday. Not going to comment much because it had mostly been said by now but i do agree with most everything here. This is my first book by this author so i had no idea what to expect. I don't mind the sex (though it was surprising how much it is mentioned in only this first short part of the book) but i do hope the sex scenes actually play a point in the plot rather than just being there for the sake of sex...

I am definitely interested in learning more about Fuka-Eri though... I like her, but seems like something isn't right, like someone else is behind her and she is just a puppet somehow.

[MichelleCH]

Amy wrote: "Chapter 1
What a good start! I thought something was going to happen to Aomame. She kept mentioning an uneasy feeling, and the taxi driver seemed strange, telling a women about the stairs. I will h..."

Amy, I had the same thoughts as you. The taxi driver's assurance that there is only one reality is tantalizing and speaks to some time shifting or bending of time?

I also am wondering about her facial expressions. She sounds exceptionally fierce when scowling. I also think her name is very unusual 'green peas'. A very complex character for sure.

This is my first Murakami and I am enjoying it.