All posts tagged Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami (村上春樹, Murakami Haruki; born January 12, 1949) is a Japanese writer. His novels, essays, and short stories have been best-sellers in Japan and internationally, with his work translated into 50 languages, and having sold millions of copies outside Japan. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Gunzo Prize for New Writers, the World Fantasy Award, the Tanizaki Prize, Yomiuri Prize for Literature, the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, the Noma Literary Prize, the Jerusalem Prize, and the Princess of Asturias Award.

My Cheesecake Shaped Poverty

Published on September 17, 2023

“My Cheesecake Shaped Poverty” is a Murakami short story that first appeared in The New Yorker ( my-cheesecake-shaped-poverty.pdf ). This very short story is part of The New Yorker’s flash fiction series, so it’s unlikely it is more than 1000 words. The time is 1973. A young newlywed couple desires to move into their first home. They don’t have much money, so the estate agent looks them up and down and hesitantly takes them to the “Triangle Zone” property. It...

Killing Commendatore

Published on September 22, 2019

Killing Commendatore is a complex and introspective novel that combines elements of magical realism, metaphysics, and psychological exploration. Murakami creates a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that explores the depths of the human experience. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist undergoes a profound personal transformation. He faces his fears, confronts his past, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Throughout the novel, the protagonist is haunted by the disappearance of a young girl named Mariye. Mariye has a connection...

1Q84

Published on October 27, 2011

Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese author, wrote 1Q84 in bunko editions from 2009 to 2010. Set in Tokyo during the year 1984, the story follows two main protagonists, Aomame and Tengo, whose paths become intertwined as they navigate a peculiar and mysterious alternate reality. A secret organization known as “Sakigake” draws Aomame into it. Aomame is a skilled assassin. Tengo rewrites a mysterious novel conspiratorially. Teenage girl Fuki-Eri titles the novel “Air Chrysalis”. If this sounds hard to follow, it...

Kafka on the Shore

Published on March 23, 2011

Kafka on the Shore (海辺のカフカ, Umibe no Kafuka) is a 2002 novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. Its 2005 English translation was among “The 10 Best Books of 2005” from The New York Times and received the World Fantasy Award for 2006. The book tells the stories of the young Kafka Tamura, a bookish 15-year-old boy who runs away from his Oedipal curse, and Satoru Nakata, an old, disabled man with the uncanny ability to talk to cats. The book...

What I Talk About when I Talk About Running

Published on January 23, 2009

Haruki Murakami wrote What I Talk About When I Talk About Running in 2007. Combining reflections on running with personal anecdotes, the book provides insights into Murakami’s experiences as a writer and a long-distance runner. Throughout the memoir, Murakami shares how running has been an integral part of his life and creative process. He discusses his motivations for running, the discipline it requires, and the meditative aspects that allow him to find solace and inspiration. As Murakami reflects on his...