Kafka on the Shore

This book was not for me. It was recommended as part of the Book Riot challenge this year. I already had completed the non-european novel in translation, but I figured I'd give this one a go, too because it was highly rated and award winning. I even went to the book website and read the book club/thinking questions. Let me tell you that none of that prepared me for this book.

I was constantly confused. At first, I thought, maybe there is a complex backstory for all of the characters to get to the climax of the book. Then, I thought maybe there were parallel universes or perhaps more distance in time than I originally was reading. I got all the way to the end, and I still don't know what happened in this book. Boy runs away from home. Terrible omen plays out. There is another inner/outer/universe place that is held in space time that is only accessible when some things line up. Humans suffer. Boy ends up back at home.

Along the way, we meet a 21 year old who is the fountain of all knowledge and nuance, often speaking like a wise and learned person (not sure if that is metaphor...or maybe it seems that way because our POV characters are not wise or learned?). This character seems to only serve this purpose - and to constantly try to help our hero. We also meet a character that may be the hero's mom or maybe lover in a past life? both? My favorite character in the story is Mr Nakata when he is talking to cats. That is the best. However, his story takes a turn to suck him into the madness, and then he doesn't talk to cats anymore. Only one character, a sidekick to our Mr Nakata, Mr Hoshino, seems to grow and change in the story. While the main characters are off making no sense whatsoever, Mr Hoshino finds himself, frees himself from guilt by seeing from his benefactor grandfather's point of view, and realizes what is important and beautiful to himself in life. It's such a tiny part of the story.

I was also caught off guard by the graphic and detailed sex scenes.

While all of my not getting this book is just me, sure.There is one part where I have a real problem. Our main hero goes to a cabin in the woods/mountains for 3 days. Three days! And on the third day, he is waxing nostalgic about what he “usually” does. As if anyone has a routine in a strange place with usual habits by the third day. The character's way of referencing such a short time as if it were a much longer period of time broke me out of the story. I couldn't accept it. (I know, ghosts are cool, but taking up quick habits is not okay.)

I looked up all the Japanese names in translation to see if maybe there were obvious signs to native readers, but none of them were meaningful in that way to me.

All in all, I have to say it was not for me. I was confused the whole time. If you enjoy the book, and I know you, please walk me through the metaphors I've missed.

The narration was well done with consistent character voices, interest, and pacing.