The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami

READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel

This seemingly simple story of a Japanese man whose cat runs away is anything but. 

❖ “I couldn’t wait to re-read and share this, my #1 favourite book of all time. I was nervous too, knowing how much of an emotional journey this is, worried the others would not love it as much as I did. But after page one I had settled into it, like a comfy old chair and I once again got lost in Murakami’s genius.

“The dopplegangers, which I did not realise on on my first read, were especially enjoyable to analyse on my second reading. I think this is a book which would keep on giving on subsequent readings as there is so much depth invested into every character and every scene. I am already looking forward to the time when I read Wind-Up Bird for a third time.

“This is an indescribable masterpiece and one I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It may have seemingly limitless depth but its simplistic writing style makes it is accessible to everyone.

“During my second reading, and with a number of other Murakami books under my belt, I also appreciated the work of translator Jay Rubin further. To have translated this epic tome without losing the mystique nor simplicity, makes him the co-author.” – Rachel

You might think you made a new world or a new self, but your old self is always gonna be there, just below the surface, and if something happens, it’ll stick its head out and say ‘Hi.’ You don’t seem to realize that. You were made somewhere else.

❖ “This was the first book of Murikami’s that I’ve read. It was confusing and our bookclub analysis afterwards cleared up a lot of my questions. Murikami has a unique way of writing with characters having two selves and the existence of a parallel world. A complex story written in an easy to read way. Totally fabulous despite the heinous skinning description!” – Jo

Published in Japanese 1994
Translated into English by Jay Rubin 1997
Knopf
607 pages