Monday, October 23, 2006
My thoughts on Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
After reading Murakami's Kafka on the Shore last year, he immediately became one of my favorite authors. And after finishing his novel Norwegian Wood last night, he has officially become my favorite author. I am always fascinated by all the numerous insights the author has about life, death, and every thing in between. The way he expresses these insights through metaphors and symbolisms strikes awe in me as well.
At first glance, one may wonder what in the world had possessed Murakami to write a straightforward romance novel. He was doing so well with his complex and serious novels in the past. But once you read the first chapter of the novel, you will realize that it is much more than just a sappy romance story. It is a story that is truly Murakami.
In it he talks about how death is not something you can avoid, until it is time (for you to die). Death is a part of everyday life, and it will be with you always. But even if you are aware of the ever presence of death, you can never be ready for the shock, when it happens. Death is something you must bear and suffer with your entire life, but you must not let it take you down. You are still living and breathing, so you must still live life and not wallow in lifelong misery.
These are the insights the main character gains as he chooses between Naoko and Midori: two women he both loves; one representing the past, and the other, the present. In the end, he chooses to let go of his past, where he was trapped in a dark well of death and misery. He climbs out of the well, and back into reality. Here a new life awaits him, a new beginning with Midori, the woman who truly loves him.
You have to read in order to see the true beauty of Norwegian Wood- a story of passion, love, life, and death.
all the colors so pretty 8:09 a.m.
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