Norwegian Wood (Tokio Blues) review Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami, tells the story of Toru Watanabe, a first year college student attending drama studies at Tokyo university in the late 1960s. Du

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Norwegian Wood (Tokio Blues) review Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami, tells the story of Toru Watanabe, a first year college student attending drama studies at Tokyo university in the late 1960s. During that time Toru meets different characters who make him experiment love, happiness and sadness. The book covers many of the problems young japanese people face in society today. Toru's memories are marked by the recent death of his high school best friend Kizuki, who commited suicide. After this event, Toru begins an affair with Naoko, Kizuki's ex-girlfriend. She is very beautiful and kind woman but the suicide of both Kizuki and her elder sister drives her to depression. Despite Toru's efforts, Naoko finally enters in an asylum in order to receive mental treatment. Then, Toru is only allowed to write letters to her and visit her from time time. This situation lets Toru get together with Midori, who is also attending drama studies with him. Toru gets fascinated by the beauty and charmness of Midori and starts dating her but still he keeps in touch with Naoko, whom he is very worried about. Although Toru has fallen in love with Midori they split up and Toru leaves his studies and starts traveling around Japan trying to escape his troubles. But one day something happens and this will change everything ... You should definitely read this book if you enjoy reading dramatic youth novels. It is very well written and teaches the reader about the strong feelings of first love and about the loss of innocence.

Mar 7, 2014 4:59 PM

Corrections · 3

Norwegian Wood (Tokio Blues) review

Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami, tells the story of Toru Watanabe, a first year college student attending drama studies at Tokyo university in the late 1960s. During that time Toru meets different characters who make him experiment in (or experience) love, happiness and sadness. The book covers many of the problems young japanese people face in society today.

Toru's memories are marked by the recent death of his high school best friend Kizuki, who commited suicide. After this event, Toru begins an affair with Naoko, Kizuki's ex-girlfriend. She is a very beautiful and kind woman but the suicide of both Kizuki and her elder sister drives her to depression.

Despite Toru's efforts, Naoko finally enters in an asylum in order to receive mental treatment. Then, Toru is only allowed to write letters to her and visit her from time time. This situation lets Toru get together with Midori, who is also attending drama studies with him. Toru gets fascinated by the beauty and charmness of Midori and starts dating her but still he keeps in touch with Naoko, whom he is very worried about. Although Toru has fallen in love with Midori they split up and Toru leaves his studies and starts traveling around Japan trying to escape his troubles. But one day something happens and this will change everything ...

You should definitely read this book if you enjoy reading dramatic youth novels. It is very well written and teaches the reader about the strong feelings of first love and about the loss of innocence.

Great review! Very well written. I am interested to read it if I get the chance!

March 7, 2014

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