While it is a romance book to a degree, it is not corny or soppy in any way and I think can be enjoyed by anyone. I believe this book really has the ability to impact readers on a personal level, as while extreme, many of the situations in this book can be painfully relatable to many, from the trials of unrequited love to losing people that mean a lot to you. It still features themes such as loneliness, reading and jazz music, and not to forget Murakami's love for pasta Norwegian Wood differs however in that while still important in his other works, relationships and how we deal with their complexities really take the forefront in this novel. Which is odd to a degree, as it lacks the supernatural themes that make up the threads of many of his other great works like Kafka on the shore or The Wind up Bird Chronicle that we are familiar with. This may be true however, this novel is a sensitive and moving tale of young adult relationships, Japanese culture, and mental illness. Norwegian Wood, is Murakami's best novel to date. Norwegian Wood has been viewed by many die-hard Murakami fans as a straightforward love story that doesn't have the magical realism of his other novels. Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. This chance meeting forces Toru into a world love, happiness, loss, and depression that will change his life forever. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, Jay Rubin Published by Vintage Books on SeptemPages: 296 Goodreads. Until one day he runs into a friend from his hometown, a fragile and aloof girl named Naoko.

If you liked Norwegian Wood, these books might hook you.Toru Watanabe is an 18 year old freshman coasting through his college years, days spent reading literature, listening to jazz and classical music and wondering about the peculiarities of his dorm room-mate 'Storm Trooper'.

However, The novel unfolds all the hidden feelings and complexities of all the characters, producing a touching story of love, emotion and coming-of-age. Watanabe gets confused about his feelings towards Naoko and attraction towards Midori.

Midori is his drama classmate and an extrovert girl. He is best known for his translations of the works of the Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami.

Image from and enraged by the end of the student protest, Watanabe finds joy in Midori’s company. 1941) is an American academic, translator, and (as of 2015) novelist.

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