Hear the Wind Sing
Ratings41
Average rating3.5
This is the first book I've read by Murakami. From what I understand, it is his first novel, and he hates it. He has removed its publication (at least in English) and it is difficult to find. However, what a remarkable book this is. Especially is this is truly his first novel, it has such confidence and ease. There is no performative aspect to it, like he has still learning to be a novelist. The story is spare, and odd, but with aching beauty in moments. It is really great. I'm eager to continue through his oeuvre, reading the next book in this “Rat” series, “Pinball, 1974”, another book he did not want published in English any longer. But still, I can tell I am going to have a real love for the works of Murakami.
This book is proto-Murakami through and through. Though it lacks the surreal elements that characterize many of his later works, Hear the Wind Sing succinctly captures his style and writerly ethos. While it is not my favorite of his works and I would not recommend that someone read this one first, the book is great for what it is. Fans of Murakami may find it worth reading for the introduction alone, in which he tells the story of how he became a novelist.
the writing style is beautiful. i loved the flow of the story. this is actually my first Murakami novel and I didn't realise that it was his first novel as well. lol nice
Haruki Murakami's first book doesn't disappoint one bit. He has always been an incredibly talented writer. His stories are engaging and provoke deep thought. The major themes throughout all of his works are alienation, loneliness, isolation, and existentialism, all of which, for some reason, seem very relevant to the modern day.
Specifically regarding Hear the Wind Sing, the book is an enjoyable, thought-provoking, and quick read. The plot may be difficult to follow at times, but Murakami's language makes up for that (by far!). I absolutely love Dostoevsky, but Murakami comes very close to matching him (it happens that Murakami also looks up to Dostoevsky).
One more note: Murakami is very fluent in English (he translated books like Catcher in the Rye into Japanese in his younger years), and he has had a very significant part in the translation of all of his works. Accordingly, you can expect the language of his stories to be incredibly vivid and engaging.
Not his best. When I saw it in Audible, I figured it was new, but turns out it was early Murakami. It has the makings of what's to come, although no cats? And sex only gets a mention with no actual shagging or descriptions. But there is a well.
