(no subject)

[annathyst]

Finished reading Norwegian Wood and...damn. That is one of the most depressing, personal, profundly soul-wrenching books I’ve ever read. Just...damn.

Though it seems a shame to ruin such an emotional moment with reason, according to the endnote, there’s a Birnbaum translation of the novel, written for Japanese students learning English. I would absolutely love to get my hands on a copy of that; in my opinion, he’s a much better translator than Rubin. But even through the lesser translation skill...damn.

Comments

Murkami

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Have you read any of Murakami's other novels? If not I do highly encourage you to go get them. By that I mean leave your home and buy them right this minute! Anyhow, the man's got an amazing gift for writing about the soul. He is by far one of the greatest writers living today. Pick up Hard Boiled Wonderland & the End of the World and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. Those are my favorites. (so far)

[belladonna.livejournal.com]

I stayed up all night after I finished that one. It was very powerful and evoked some strong emotions, which is the mark of an excellent novel, however I'm not sure if I could go through that again anytime soon. :P

Re: Murkami

[belladonna.livejournal.com]

Tef and I discuss Murakami on a weekly basis. :) Have you read South of the Border, West of the Sun? I think that's my all-time favorite. I'm making my way through Hardboiled and have not yet gotten Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.

Re: Murkami

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

That one is one my list, along with Dead Can Dance. Just fabulous books all around. Well since you've already be converted to the joy of Murakami, I'll recommend Victor Pelevin to you both. He's a Russian author who has some similar flair but a different style, also very modern. The Life of Insects is excellent, bizarre stuff. Omon Ra has a good twist to the end.