Haruki Murakami wins literary award in the Czech Republic

Yesterday, Haruki Murakami--one of my favorite fiction writers ever--received the Franz Kafka Prize in Prague. His specialty is observing Japanese psyche and portraying it via surreal, mysteriously disappearing characters who often have unique insights on Western literary or musical classics. His most recent novel is called Kafka on the Shore, and I think it's one of his best so far. (No, I don't know if the title's reference to the celebrated existentialist had to do with him getting the award.) I liked Wind-Up Bird Chronicles, too, and his interviews with victims and perpetrators of the Sarin gas attacks orchestrated by the Aum cult (non-fiction). And then of course there's Norwegian Wood, the book that made him famous back in the 80s.

So if you haven't read any of his novels, stop reading this stupid blog and go pick one up now! It's better for you brain, and much more entertaining.

Comments

[Anonymous]

hi, from 1993 it is Czech republic and Slovak republic separate. Norwegian wood is very popular here :)

[guscasas]

He is one of my favorite’s writers as well; I especially enjoy Dance Dance Dance!!

[Anonymous]

Can someone please explain Norwegian Wood? I've read it twice (in Japanese) and I don't understand the purpose of the book. I also read A Wild Sheep Chase. Don't get me wrong. I love both books for it's character development and plot and story. Both are great until you get to the end where it gets all crazy...I'm now reading Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. Great so far! I fear the end though....

[Doug]

I found your site via jeansnow.net, and I really like your writing! Murakami is one of my favs too and your description of his books ("...surreal, mysteriously disappearing characters who often have unique insights on Western literary or musical classics") is perfect.

Anonymous poses an interesting question as to what are the point of his books. Aside from The Wind-up Bird Chronicles, I don't think they have a point, really. But one certainly learns a lot about philosophy and classic music from them, which are benefits, secondary only to reading pleasure and occasionally laughing out loud.