Sophie's Reviews > The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

Having previously read Norwegian Wood by Murakami, I approached The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle with some trepidation. My experience with Norwegian Wood was far from uplifting, and I found myself similarly challenged by The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. The word “tackle” feels particularly apt here, as navigating through this novel was no easy feat.
Much like in Norwegian Wood, the protagonist, Toru Okada, seems to drift through the narrative in a state of near-somnambulism. His responses to questions about his well-being or opinions are often indifferent shrugs, reflecting his detachment from both thought and emotion. This detachment is so profound that he finds solace sitting at the bottom of a deep, dark well. The central mystery of the novel revolves around the sudden and unexplained disappearance of his wife, Kumiko.
The novel is rich with interwoven stories. One subplot delves into Kumiko’s family background, highlighting her enigmatic and cruel brother, Noboru Wataya, who is on the cusp of a political career. Another subplot features a WWII veteran recounting his harrowing experiences in battle and his encounters with a man known as “The Manskinner,” a nickname whose origin is described in graphic detail.
Toru’s relationship with May Kasahara, a teenage girl he meets while searching for his missing cat, is particularly puzzling. The purpose of their interactions remains unclear to me. The narrative takes an even stranger turn when Toru becomes involved in a mystical, money-making venture with a woman he dubs Nutmeg.
Ultimately, I would rate The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle three stars. While it is not without merit, the novel left me feeling somewhat confused and ambivalent about my overall experience.