Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage discussion

I kept expecting some other twists and turns to happen based upon the previous history of reading everything Murakami available in translation.

By far the most 'normal' of his books, I am curious as to what new readers thought.

Well, this is my first book of his I've read, so I can tell you, that it reminded me of the themes of a lot of modern stories from Japan--for example the movies of Makoto Shinkai: a moment of youthful connection that produces a lifetime of dreams, that is suddenly lost, leaving the protagonist full of doubt and going through the rest of his life on autopilot. I don't know if it's a theme that would work if the setting were western; people would complain the character was too milquetoast for not moving on (a complaint I see some readers here making about this book). The only thing I can think of that comes close is the movie Cinema Paradiso (the original theatrical cut), and I sometimes think it's because that concept of "unanswered loss" was so unique to western audiences it made such an impact.

That said, I thought there was a little too much exposition--characters sitting around talking about their feelings and behavior as only self-absorbed teenagers or young adults would, but doing so well past that age. The language was also sometimes clunky, but that may have been the translation. There was also some strange technical detail on things that didn't seem to matter--Lexus cars, or pottery making, or railway station design. I tried to find bigger meaning in these, but, I'm not sure there was any.

I read Colorless first and just finished Norwegian Wood. My initial impressions are that the stories are one in the same structure. What appeals most to me about Murakami is his voice. So far I have learned: not to trust beautiful pianists and that death is part of our uncertain life. LOL

I'm looking forward to The Wind Up Bird Chronicle to see how the story structure, writing may differ and what themes remain, change.

I enjoyed the story in Colorless a little more than Norwegian Wood.

Loved the book. Gave it 5 stars. Brave ending. Although my life was/is very different, I was able to relate to the narrator's experience from start to finish. Exceptionally well written, I presume as I don't speak Japanese. Call it an excellent translation in that I didn't feel I was reading a translation.

Thanks for asking! This is my first Murakami. I enjoyed it very much and here's why. The book explores philosophy, psychology and emotion with simple elegance. It is dark yet feels redemptive. It validates human loneliness and misperception. I felt sympathetic to the characters. There is a slow and thoughtful pace to the book that lets the reader think deeply about what happens to the protagonist. I'll be trying more of this author soon.

This was my first Murakami book to read, but I have had others on my TBR list for a long time. I liked the book very much and will definitely get to the others eventually!

I loved this quiet book, my first Murakami.

It was a great novel by Murakami.

This was my first read of Murakami and I hope to read more. I really enjoyed this movement through life in such clarity and tenderness, with all the feelings told so boldly and beautifully. I will go on to read more by him.

My first Murakami read. I picked up another that came highly recommended, but I read this one first. I was unimpressed. I kept expecting something to happen, but not much ever did. I'm reading "1Q84" right now, and it's much better.

My first of his, recommended by a friend to whom it was also the first. She hated the ending, but loved the telling (I think).
I liked everything about it a LOT. apart from the interlude with the hotel pianist story which was a bit either pointless, or not-quite-pointed-enough.
It had a story to tell, and it told it beautifully without too much extra baggage.
I'm a little wary of reading more by him after reading reviews from more experienced Murakami readers bemoaing his lack of two great ideas, but I'll read IQ84 and Norwegian Wood some time.

Richard wrote: "My first of his, recommended by a friend to whom it was also the first. She hated the ending, but loved the telling (I think).
I liked everything about it a LOT. apart from the interlude with the h..."

I was literally just about to leave a review but saw your name at the bottom :)
You are right... I hated the ending but loved the rest. Maybe it's because I couldn't quite get my head around it. I might have to whizz through it again!

I could feel the emotions of Tsukuru, I feel that the translator did an excellent job! I still have such a beautiful image of the house in the countryside vividly in my imagination.

I have just finished Norwegian Wood and I did not like it whatsoever. I am shocked that this is Murakami's most highly rated books. I noticed that Colourless Tsukuru and Norwegian Wood have different translators and that may play a part in my dislike perhaps?! I felt that boring conversations and scenarios were dragged out a lot longer than necessary. I found it dull. If you want to borrow it from me at any point feel free to ask!

Although I have mixed reviews on Murakami's work, I don't want to give up yet! I want the same feeling I felt when reading Colourless Tsukuru so I plan on reading some more in the future. Perhaps 1Q84 and Kafka on the Shore :)

I'm glad you enjoyed it too, Richard!

I was enthralled. Some reviewers had negative opinions of the use of language or the translation, or the dialog, but I found it elegant, simple and direct lending an almost parable quality to the story. Not everything is resolved at the end which makes me think there may be a sequel.

Ian, do you want a sequel? I struggle with that after reading a book that I find so satisfying. I don't want to know what happened to Tsukuru. I want to keep the images of him and his story just like they were portrayed alive in my head.

"Colorless" was the first Murakami novel I've read. I liked the writer's style (probably aided by an excellent translator), sometimes becoming similar to magic realism. It reminded me of reading Kafka, and I just learned that Murakami has written "Kafka On the Shore". I liked the ambiguous ending.

As with the other readers, this is my first novel by Murakami and also expected this novel to be twisted. At one point I kind of thought this was an out of body experience at certain parts of the story and was surprise to find out this was not the case. It is a well written book and I am looking forward to reading more novels by him.

Anita wrote: "Ian, do you want a sequel? I struggle with that after reading a book that I find so satisfying. I don't want to know what happened to Tsukuru. I want to keep the images of him and his story just..."

Well the mystery of why Haida abandoned him and who murdered Shiro and why remains and somehow I suspect the accusation that Tsukuru had a hidden "darkside" to his personality might be true. I'd like to see those things, and what happens with Sara explored.

I've read every Murakami book published (except his memoir on running), I thought 1Q84 was lacking in his usual style, but seemed to be really well received by everyone else. I'd say "Colorless" took that a step further - like it's title, I found this to be a "colorless" version of his usual writing. I'm a fan of his older books, Wind Up Birld, Dance Dance Dance, A While Sheep Chase (and I like almost all the others as well). It's only the recently published ones I find disappointing. Maybe my interest in his writing has just changed. But his newest short little book, The Strange Library, reminded me of his earlier style! I loved that one. ;)

So glad I didn't have any pre-conceived notions about his writing. About halfway through Colorless and LOVING IT so far. Thanks to Garth above for a suggestion on what novels to read next!

Loved this book! It moved along well and he made me feel the main characters sadness.

I will be reading the rest of his books.

Garth wrote: "Wow, want a fun thread. I've read Murakami for years and my first book was Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Then, I devoured everything else. For all of you first-time Murakami readers, trying jumping from ..."
Hi Garth, thanks for the recommendations. "Colorless" was my first Murakami and I liked it very much.

Hideki wrote: "I kept expecting some other twists and turns to happen based upon the previous history of reading everything Murakami available in translation.

By far the most 'normal' of his books, I am curious ..."
This was my first, and I'm going to read more of Murakami, in fact I'm on the way to the library today!

Just started my first Murakami book in November which was Norwegian Wood. I took a really long time with it for some reason, and I finished the book on a plane at the end of January right before take off. I remember feeling so confused and heartbroken and I didn't even know if I enjoyed the book at all. I usually read books that have endings that satisfy me. I didn't expect an ending like this. Completely unsatisfied. And yet, I was hooked. I started South of the Border, West of the Sun as soon as I got home that night. Also finishing the book with the same feeling. I wasn't satisfied. But I wanted more. I started Colorless a few days ago and I just finished the book a couple of hours ago. How do I feel? Still not satisfied. But I love it. I've come to accept that feeling because reading his books make me feel so many emotions. It's an emotional rollercoaster. I don't know if I should continue because I feel like it's draining me but also giving me so much. I'm insanely hooked. I'll be starting the next book tomorrow. (Sputnik Sweetheart)

Oh and I forgot to mention. I feel like this was my favorite so far. It made sense and also didn't? I don't know how to explain it, I felt like I was on the journey with him on his pilgrimage. So I really did enjoy it.