What's Next? discussion

“When you have a plate on top of your head, it’s best not to look up at the sky”.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m the shadow of something, of someone.”


New Murakami! Re-write of a novella published in a Japanese magazine in 1980. “Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World” (1985) is an earlier response and co-exists along with this version. The different versions were influenced by the author’s age - 31 when the novella was published to 71 when completed (2022) - and the Covid epidemic, which spanned the writing of this novel.

The (new) novel is a typical Murakami story, exploring themes of identify, purpose, relationships and sexuality, and time. In this case, the search is mostly inward and focused on selfhood. It is not a new classic but should be enjoyed by fans of the author who enjoy the spirit and imagery his writing; the author uses imagination as an offset to loneliness and depression. 3.5 stars rounded up.