Murakami - Kafka on the Shore

This was the second novel by Murakami that fell on my hands. Actually, there was nothing accidental in that I chose to read this book. After reading one of Murakami's newer novels "Sputnik Sweetheart" I was quite impressed by how Murakami was able to paint such a mysterious story line that felt very intimate and distant at the same time. I went to the library to aiming to get my hands on Murakami's latest novel to be translated to Finnish. Unfortunately, all copies of "Norwegian Wood" were taken so I decided to give "Kafka on the Shore" a try.

Kafka on the Shore cover

This book was just amazing. The two story lines intertwine in the most wonderful manner. The book is at the same time very open, but leaves some key details untold and there is this some mysterious thing leave the characters somewhat distant, but that's good. Then there are just some silly scenes in the book that make it even more charming. Was Colonel Sanders Murakami who intervenes to get the story back on  track?

Compared to "Sputnik Sweetheart" this book it's in a league of its own. If you want to read something by Murakami give this one a read.

You can listen to the Archduke trio online at the Petrucci Music Library. It is actually a very nice piece of music and very approachable. Give it a listen.

http://imslp.org/wiki/Piano_Trio_in_B-flat_major,_Op.97_%28Beethoven,_Ludwig_van%29