Acclaimed Murakami takes us to Sapporo, a city that sounds exotic to those of us non Japanese because it's not Tokyo or Kyoto, and for that original setting, we already start to like the book. So we enter the world of a lonely freelance writer that lives in a, surreal? fantasy? setting around the memories he has of the Dolphin Hotel.
And he decides to go back to chase his dream, is it the girl he mentions, Kiki? is it the insatisfaction with his current life?
The Dolphin Hotel is there, but has undergone major plastic surgery, it only has the same name, but where is its spirit? Why the same name? The shiny, rejuvenated Dauphin Hôtel presents new characters, the nice-glasses receptionist, the nervous manager, but mainly we are looking for what is not there, and then, everything is pitch black! What does this mean?
I was happy this book won, since I was curious about reading something of Murakami and this looks like a good start - Regarding this, I would love to know about the thoughts of the members who have already read him, like Nayra ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo, my impressions:
Beyond a few lines at the very beginning that seem to suggest the protagonist had an active life with unusual things going on, the whole first 7 chapters focus on the not very exciting (and I would say not very fulfilling) life of the main character. Therefore, I was shocked when the hotel receptionist told the story about the sixteenth floor. However, at that point I thought it had something to do with her imagination, or maybe it was some plot to deceive the protagonist and make him stop asking uncomfortable questions. In no case was I expecting that the protagonist would go through the same experience, since I was not expecting any paranormal story at all! If that is what it is... Does anybody have any predictions or guessing on what is going on? Jorge, sure you do :-)
Looking forward to reading beyond chapter 10!
It is interesting what you say, Macarena. I was definitely not surprised by the paranormal story, as it is a common place in many of Murakami's books (at least the ones I read). The surrealistic situations and a special sense of humor are other characteristics of his style.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I enjoy about reading Murakami is precisely that it takes me to Japan, a fascinating country and culture that I know little about. Reading about their food, their cities or prefectures or their behaviour is really interesting.
I am so far enjoying the book very much. The sense of solitude of the unnamed character is clearly transmitted to the reader... don´t you think?
I realized I like the surrealism Murakami uses: reading a story that seems normal and all of the sudden something bizarre jumps in. For instance, when the main character is describing Kiki and he says she is a prostitute, but also has other jobs: editor and ear model... ear model? What? Editor was funny enough for a prostitute, but ear model? :-)
There are so many examples that as I am reading, put an unexpected grin on my face.
If J can make any precise prediction this time, he should really consider making some money predicting the future... :-)
Dear all,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first book I've read of Murakami, and I was not really knowing what to expect from it. To tell you the truth I've finish it a week ago! but I wont spoil the story...I'll fix to the schedule. It's a fast book. Yes, though there is not much action going on and the main character seems to have a routine life. But sentences are short and they come quickly as his thoughts are steaming in his head. A lot is going on even if its strange in his inner world.
The hotel part was also a nice surprise for me, a scary book?
A good choice, Arantxa! You've already read some of Murakami's books, do you have any suggestion to read further?
Hey Arantxa, totally agree, what is an ear model? Do they pay well?
ReplyDeleteI'm also very excited in this fantasy world of the Dolphin Hotel... I'm half the way of the second part, oh my god the things that are happening! hahaha...
Will our hero finally fall in love with the receptionist? What's their connection? So Jorge, what are your predictions???
I am glad you guys are liking the book! I was afraid that I was too excited about Murakami and everyone else thought that it was a pain (and that I was crazy).
ReplyDelete@Rocio, I am not sure how well an ear model gets paid, probably not very well if you have to combine it with prostitution!
@Miguemon: I liked very much the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Originally I think it was three books, so it is kind of long, but so unique. A shorter one that I really liked was South of the Border, West of the Sun. An all people's favorite is Norwegian Wood, the one that made him famous, if you want to try. I found it soo sad.
It is true that apparently there is not a lot of action, but when I think about it, there are many things going on (I admit I read more than half already). As soon as it starts getting boring, a new situation jumps in or some new interesting character comes into play.
Good point about the short sentences. Can you believe I hadn't noticed that? That is how focused I am in the details.
Come on, J, give us your predictions! This time is a big challenge.