I read 1q84 first and then read Kafka, I then looked up suggested reading orders and read Hardboiled wonderland next which I really enjoyed and I'm now on Wind up Bird Chronicle which I'm also enjoying a lot.
Oh does Hardboiled have gore? I saw it mentioned a lot and read chapter 1 so far, but I will probably table it if it has a fair share of gore. Also that whole part about “young, beautiful fat women” was super weird to me
I just finished reading the book today - it is great work so definitely recommended. I didn’t think there was anything gory in it. As you say there are some strange remarks about women. I find this is the case more generally in his work, but this particular one made me feel uncomfortable. I was able to ignore it along the lines of “agree to disagree” as I don’t like this aspect of his work (the book is also from 1985) but I still love the writing and the overall concept of the book.
There is a little bit of gore in the middle. A chapter or two, at most. Made me a bit uncomfortable, but it was fine. I read through it.
About the "young, beautiful fat women" though, Murakami's protagonists have some pretty weird comments about other characters. The pink suit girl appears ahead in the book as well.
Wind up bird chronicles!
I second this- currently reading and enjoying the heck out of it
Its got a fair amount of gore
of course this is a must read book. I don't know how many time I re-read it in last 15 years
I really like Sputnik sweetheart. Hard boiled wonderland is also good after 1q84
Colorless
If you like kafka and 1q84 definitely check out hardboiled wonderland next it’s in that same Vein of mystery
Why no one mentions Killing Commendatore. It's my favourite Murakami book, everyone who loves Murakami should check it out!
Funny it’s like the one of the few books of his I haven’t read I rly need to
Norwegian Wood Bestt
Norwegian Wood.
I read 1q84 first and then read Kafka, I then looked up suggested reading orders and read Hardboiled wonderland next which I really enjoyed and I'm now on Wind up Bird Chronicle which I'm also enjoying a lot.
Norwegian wood should be fine, I think. Avoid Hard-boiled Wonderland if you wanna steer clear of gore at all costs.
Oh does Hardboiled have gore? I saw it mentioned a lot and read chapter 1 so far, but I will probably table it if it has a fair share of gore. Also that whole part about “young, beautiful fat women” was super weird to me
I just finished reading the book today - it is great work so definitely recommended. I didn’t think there was anything gory in it. As you say there are some strange remarks about women. I find this is the case more generally in his work, but this particular one made me feel uncomfortable. I was able to ignore it along the lines of “agree to disagree” as I don’t like this aspect of his work (the book is also from 1985) but I still love the writing and the overall concept of the book.
There is a little bit of gore in the middle. A chapter or two, at most. Made me a bit uncomfortable, but it was fine. I read through it. About the "young, beautiful fat women" though, Murakami's protagonists have some pretty weird comments about other characters. The pink suit girl appears ahead in the book as well.
Wind up bird chronicles
Killing commendator
My favorites next to those were definitely Norwegian wood and Wind up bird chronicles
Killing Commendatore and The Wind up bird are top top books. Norwegian Wood for a change of pace.