Book review – Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
The only thing that made sense, whether for Naoko or Toru was to keep going back and forth between 18 and 19.
“After 18 would come 19, and after 19, 18, of course”
But halfway through April, Naoko turned twenty and in the autumn, Toru would do the same.
“Only the dead stay 17 forever”
After delving into the first few pages of the book, readers are hit with the heartbreaking revelation of Toru’s best friend, Kizuki, who is also the boyfriend of Naoko. Although Kizuki is not an active character in the novel, his demise has a profound impact on Toru’s life. Ten months have passed since his death, and Toru still struggles to find a place for himself in the world. Despite attempting various activities, the memory of his best friend lingers.
Frustrated and desperate for a fresh start, Toru realised he needed to escape Kobe, his hometown. With a determined heart, he set out on a journey to find a new place where the echoes of Kizuki’s absence might finally fade. He managed to enroll in a private university in Tokyo, majoring in drama while maintaining distance from others to avoid getting hurt again. Despite feeling hopeless, he loved heroically.
A young boy, quiet and melancholic, takes a bold step to commence anew in the vibrant city of Tokyo. However, life unfolds with its own set of plans for Toru, diverging from the path he envisioned.
“Norwegian Wood” is the first book by Haruki Murakami that I’ve read. Knowing nothing about this author, the random choice of this book has had an unexpected lasting effect on me. It’s been over a year since I read it, and I recall every little detail. I couldn’t skip any of the author’s descriptions while reading. The art of storytelling in this novel is truly exceptional, as the author delicately addresses a sensitive topic in a way that deeply touched me.
The book opens with 37 y/o Japanese man Toru Watanabe on a plane travelling to Tokyo. As the plane lands on the ground, he could hear a sweet orchestral cover version of the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.” The melody brings back memories of his youth, especially Naoko, the girl he loved. As all the passengers were getting ready to de-board the plane, Toru, feeling the nostalgia with the smell of green grass and the Tokyo wind on his face, was taken back to autumn 1969, soon when he would be turning 20.
After Kizuki’s death, Naoko and Toru’s friendship faded away. However, life has its way of surprising us. A year later, in Tokyo, their paths crossed again as both found themselves navigating the college scene.
37y/o Toru reflects on their first meeting in the city, trying to remember every detail—how she looked and what she spoke about. He recalls those hand-in-hand walks with her that sparked something deep within.
Losing someone we love is an inevitable part of life, and individuals vary in the time it takes to overcome such loss. The quiet and serene Naoko was still grappling with the death of her lover, Kizuki. Seeking solace, she found some comfort in Toru, yet an underlying disturbance persisted, leaving her feeling isolated and lonely.
Despite having people around her who loved and cared for her, no one truly understood what weighed on her mind, how she felt, or if she was truly okay. She existed, yet internally felt lifeless. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and complying with all recommendations, she remained physically robust but emotionally shattered into fragments.
Toru and Naoko’s relationship was a tangled mess. They cherished each other’s company and shared the emotional burden of Kizuki’s death.
On her 20th birthday, something shifts. Like a phantom, she disappears from Toru’s life. No calls, no messages. In search of answers, Toru checks her Tokyo place, only to discover she moved out days earlier. Desperate, he writes her a letter, addressed to her Kobe home. And then, a month or two later, a letter arrives, hinting at an intriguing twist in the tale.
“Norwegian Wood” takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. It makes us laugh, cry, and experience feelings of emptiness, occasionally giving us butterflies in our stomachs and moments of depression. I would, however, recommend this book only to those who have reached the age of 18. This book delves into deep themes and includes explicit sexual descriptions.
Toru’s romantic entanglements take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Midori. A vibrant, talkative, and adventurous student, Midori stands in stark contrast to Naoko. Surprisingly, Toru finds himself enchanted by her easygoing nature. Despite having a boyfriend, Midori is undeniably drawn to Toru. This attraction hints at deeper struggles, particularly her battle with feelings of being unloved.
She embodies emotional and mental strength, always keeping things lively. Her talkative nature resembles those who uplift others during tough times. A girl with a cheerful face, hiding countless tears.
Naoko is delicate and captures Toru’s heart, while Midori, with her strong personality, adds a refreshing twist. As a reader, I observed that Toru knew who he wanted to be with; he was always clear and dedicated—qualities we look for in our partners. However, a question that struck me every time was, are they meant to be together?
The novel takes its title, “Norwegian Wood” from the melody of a Beatles song and the quiet mountain forest.
It is Naoko’s favourite song and holds a profound significance for her, as she confesses, “That song can make me feel so sad.”
“I don’t know, I guess I imagine myself wandering in a deep wood. I’m all alone and it’s cold and dark, and nobody comes to save me.”
How deep are her words, right? What’s on her mind?
As the story opens, an older Toru reflects on his relationship with Naoko. The resonance of “Norwegian Wood” plays a pivotal role, echoing at key points throughout the narrative. Even in public spaces, every time Toru hears the familiar strains of the song, he is transported back to memories of Naoko.
However, the song is here, the place is here, the memory is here, the same air, the same Tokyo, but older Toru says, “… yet as clear as the scene may be, no one is in it. No one. Naoko is not here, and neither am I. Where could we have disappeared to?”
This novel explores themes of loss, love, and self-discovery. While we might believe our struggles are unique, the story reveals the universality of human challenges. The narrative emphasizes the power of sharing our heartaches, offering solace. It highlights that some silently bear their burdens, while others tragically choose to end their lives.
In a world filled with competition and challenges, there are moments when giving up seems tempting. However, this novel provides a compelling reason to persevere, encouraging readers to embrace life and the potential for future happiness. Amidst the narrative, characters like Reiko emerge, serving as beacons of resilience and the determination to never give up.
The gripping pages of this novel keep the readers on the edge, questioning Toru Watanabe’s ultimate choice. However, the suspense extends beyond Toru’s romantic dilemma. It plunges the readers into the unsettling depths of despair, where suicide becomes a silent omnipresent character. As the characters’ journey intersect with the harsh, resonating truth of a world where self-destruction often seems like the only way out. In the shadow of uncertainty, the novel beckons readers to unravel the threads of both love and life, leaving an undeniable mark that transcends the boundary of mere fiction.
The novel echoes the sentiment that “All of us are imperfect human beings living in an imperfect world.” Within the confines of this love story, the characters mirror our struggles, battling not against external foes but against themselves, calling out, as Murakami beautifully writes, “from the dead centre of this place that was no place.”