In the translator's note the translator writes 'in the course of the story, he catalogs the many pleasures of reading: the joy of discovering a new auIn the translator's note the translator writes 'in the course of the story, he catalogs the many pleasures of reading: the joy of discovering a new author; the hedonism of staying up too late to finish a book; the surreptitious thrill of getting to know someone by reading their favourite novel; and the freedom of walking into a bookstore and scanning the titles, waiting for someone to catch your eye.' This expertly details a journey of a reader and I felt this is what is at the heart of the story. It is also a love story to independent book stores and an amazing insight into how bookstores survive based on the generosity of book buyers and enthusiasts but also the power literature has itself. I loved how the bookshop was depicted as a healer but as a place of comfort and a saviour. The community aspect the book festival and the ending was really lovely. A 3.5 rounded up. A great book about books. ...more
This collection of seven short stories allows an intimate look and reflection of men who find themselves alone. This is the second book I have read of Murakami’s and I am a fan. He takes the ordinary and allows us to see what we would normally overlook. Filled with emotion and mundane details it was a great collection. My favourites in the collection were ‘Drive My Car’- which has been turned into a short film, and ‘Yesterday’. I really liked ‘Men Without Women’ as a closure of the book. It is a sad and melancholic collection and I would recommend it if you like short stories set in Japan.
“Loneliness is brought over from France, the pain of the wound from the Middle East. For Men Without Women, the world is a vast, poignant mix, very much the far side of the moon.”...more
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Books:
japanese-lit
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