Norwegian Wood- By Murakami

"Death exists, not as the opposite but as a part of life."

What an incredible book by Murakami! It’s no surprise that his writing always leaves a strong impact on readers.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and I finally finished it today, November 30th, 2024. Now, I’m excited to share my thoughts.

Set in Japan in the 1960s, Norwegian Wood tells a story full of young love, loss, and complicated relationships. The main character, Toru Watanabe, is an introverted college student whose life revolves around his two close friends: Kizuki and Naoko. The story is told through Toru’s memories, which are triggered when he hears the Beatles song "Norwegian Wood" on a plane. This song reminds him of his intense and life-changing relationships with two women: Naoko and Midori.

Naoko is a beautiful but fragile girl who struggles with her mental health after her boyfriend, Kizuki, commits suicide. Toru feels deeply connected to her and wants to help her, but her emotional problems make their relationship difficult. Despite their strong bond, Naoko’s sadness becomes a barrier that Toru can’t overcome.

On the other hand, Midori is lively, independent, and confident. She offers a very different kind of love—one that is more free-spirited and full of life compared to Naoko’s sadness. As Toru’s feelings grow for both women, he is torn between the two of them, each representing a different type of love.

What will Toru choose? How will he navigate his feelings for both Naoko and Midori? Read on to discover the surprising twists and turns of this gripping story!

"I’d lost something that could never be found again, and that’s a thing you just have to live with."

This novel is a touching exploration of how life continues despite loss and sadness. It reminds us that no matter how much pain we go through, life still moves forward.

Murakami’s writing is honest and moving. It feels like we’re living alongside the characters in the book, almost as if we’re in 1960s Japan too. The story stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

One relatable quote for you-

“I’m always in the middle of something. But that doesn’t mean I’m really doing anything.”

AS: Happy Reading! 😀

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