Haruki Murakami, "Norwegian Forest": reviews, summary, analysis, quotes

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Modern Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has created many interesting works. According to him, none of them is autobiographical. Reading Murakami is not for everyone. Often his novels are too long, but they certainly contain philosophy. One of Murakami's strongest works is Norwegian Forest. Summary, analysis and other interesting facts that can be taken from the book will be the subject of our study.

In the beginning there was… a song

It's amazing how the author manages to delve into the issues raised and not forget to draw parallels with reality at the same time? Those who got acquainted with the work, first asked the question, where did its name come from. Here Murakami is not original. The name is taken from the Beatles' famous composition Norwegian Wood, which literally translates as "Norwegian Wood". The mention of her is also present on the pages of the novel. The theme of the forest and the natural environment is separately explored by Murakami. "Norwegian Forest" contains colorful descriptions of the Tokyo neighborhoods in which the story takes place. If you are not a fan of large volumes (and this book is), we will analyze individual storylines, analyze the characters and actions of the characters, and, with the help of readers and critics, we will give a conclusion whether it is worth spending time on this novel.

Understand me

This piece has caused a lot of controversy. Some believed that the novel could have a bad effect on the teenage (and not only) psyche, others considered it a good example of evaluating themselves and their lives. Quotations were of particular interest. Murakami's "Norwegian Forest" contains an impressive amount of interesting, vivid statements. Some of them have become catchphrases. Fans of the novel and the writer's work often use them in colloquial speech. But what is more important is that, given the philosophy of the work, such quotes will help to better understand the characters, their thoughts and actions.

The Path to Masterpiece Status

For several years, work on the creation of the book continued, as Haruki Murakami admitted. "Norwegian Forest", a summary of which is to be clarified later, was released in 1987. Almost immediately, it was recognized as a bestseller in Japan. However, there is nothing to be surprised here. Any creation of the writer quickly resonates with readers, becoming the best-selling work.

Human destinies to talk about

A feature of Murakami as a writer is the need to convey to the reader about the difficult fate of an ordinary person. Anyone can become them. Often the charactersoccupy various positions, differ in age and status. As if to say that no one should be ex alted above others, the author equates everyone to the same level. Everyone will decide for himself whether Haruki Murakami is doing the right thing. "Norwegian Forest", reviews of which call it a social drama, tells the story of a young generation living in the mid-1960s. Students at the University of Tokyo do not want to follow the rules set by the government, and therefore oppose the principles. Experiencing difficult times in society and the country as a whole, all of them (for example, the main character named Tooru) are forced to change inside.

Duality of images

Haruki Murakami creates his main character in a special way. "Norwegian Forest" introduces the reader to two Tooru Watanabe - a teenager and a middle-aged man. The latter is the narrator. To a greater extent, he recalls the past, when he was a university student and when, in fact, the culminating moments in his life took place. Having lived an interesting life, Tooru shares his advice with readers by his own example. Given the philosophical overtones of the work, readers should think not only about Tooru's life, but also draw parallels with their own.

Themes for every generation

For what audience did Murakami create his work? "Norwegian Forest" is not intended for a certain circle of readers. The book can appeal to both the teenage generation and people who have crossed the line of maturity. The novel is based on the issues of loss and sexualgrowing up. The protagonist is experiencing a tragedy associated with the suicide of his best friend, and also joins the general excitement of the rest of the students, dissatisfied with the level of existence. As if aggravating an already confusing attitude to life, the author adds spice to the plot: Tooru simultaneously meets two different girls who lure him into a maelstrom of events. He has to make a choice: lively, emotional Midori or charming, but traumatized inside Naoko?

In general, the narrative will jump to different time intervals more than once. This can also be called a special move that Murakami uses. "Norwegian Wood" will begin its long "journey" through memories in Germany, where 37-year-old Tooru hears the song Norwegian Wood. Sudden nostalgia for the past brings sadness and longing. Mentally, Watanabe returns to the distant 60s, which then changed his present and future …

Heartache burdened with tragedy

What started as a mere memory soon grew into a lifetime. It is difficult to describe the work of Haruki Murakami "Norwegian Forest" in a nutshell. The summary cannot convey the fullness of the dramatic story, the main message that the author put into the book. And yet, for those who are not yet familiar with it, we will reveal a little background …

As already known, Tooru has been friends with Kizuki for many years. He, in turn, is attached to Naoko's girlfriend. Each of the characters feels like a part of the “gang”. The sudden decision of a mutual friend to end his own life brings Watanabe and the girl even closer. Together theyexperience a tragedy: Tooru feels the breath of death everywhere, and Naoko seems to have lost a piece of herself. On her 20th birthday, she makes love to Tooru, after which the guy wonders if it was a sincere desire or a physiological urge. The hero is imbued with sympathy for the girl, but understands that it is not so easy to “break through” the veil of her soul…

Difficulties in understanding

What is the first impression of reading H. Murakami's novel "Norwegian Forest"? Reader reviews define it as a complex piece. Some episodes drag on too long, and some could have been shortened considerably while still retaining the essence of things. But this is the peculiarity of the writing technique of the Japanese author. Probably, in order to comprehend such works, one must at least live to see gray hair. In contrast to this, it should be noted that younger readers admitted to the ease of understanding the presentation. Well, to each his own. The only thing that definitely cannot be advised is to get acquainted with the book in a state of depression. Psychological instability threatens with dangerous consequences.

Erotic poem

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Haruki Murakami's book "Norwegian Forest"? Readers' reviews unanimously call the main character an interesting personality. In many ways, it is he who saves the emerging simple content and, with his bright character, makes one get carried away with the story of his life.

Tooru is a controversial character. When in the story he is twenty years old, he talks about everythingthirty. His philosophy includes complex phrases and quotations, but this "allegorical adverb" remains understandable to others. Moreover, Watanabe has a core, calmness, composure. You can rely on him, it is easy for him to tell problems that eat away from the inside. No wonder both girls are attracted to the guy.

The author knowingly shows the characters from the side of their growing up, awareness of surrounding things, the rules of life. Tooru, surviving the death of a friend, painlessly perceives reality, as if he had already crossed his most dangerous life line. Definitely he is suffering. The theme of death is interesting compared to other characters, such as Naoko. In other words, Murakami gives each of them their own ways to cope with loss, making some stronger and others weaker.

Love and pleasure

Inappropriate sex is the main disadvantage of the novel "Norwegian Forest". Reviews of those who read the work agree on how the author painted the main character, showed true thinking. Watanabe is a man. He experiences personal tragedies in his own way, but when an opportunity presents itself to satisfy his needs, he seizes the opportunity. And not once, not with one girl. Should he be criticized for this? Tooru lives in a world created by Murakami full of sex. Perhaps the author pays such attention with the inherent delicate details, considering it a part of everyone's life? But, unfortunately, most of the characters are perceived as preoccupied; their conversations and thoughts about sex are sometimes over the top.

To help romantics

Can one learn to love from a book? A perfect example of this is the Norwegian Forest. Reviews of critics for the most part agree with the opinion that the work is filled with sensuality and eroticism. The upside is Murakami's careful presentation of such a delicate subject. Readers will not find vulgarity. On the contrary, vulgar scenes are replaced by the fire of passion that Tooru experiences every time. The protagonist in search of love is experiencing a lot of feelings and emotions. Of course, he is a seducer who knows how to give a lot of pleasure, who knows how to approach any woman, regardless of her age. But do not forget that behind all this outer shell, Watanabe is desperately looking for the real. Every time it seems to us that his new passion will become true love, as it turns out that this is just another explosion of sensations. It is noteworthy that, describing intimate episodes from Tooru's sexual maturation, the author also shows a romantic atmosphere, such as a heartfelt kiss in the attic with one of the girls.

What lives inside…

Love and death are perhaps the key components that are closely and more than once intertwined in Murakami's work "Norwegian Forest". Reviews often compare the main character with a carrier of negative energy, despite the fact that for many he remains a positive character. A strange pattern: where he appears, there “smells” of death. From his image, people are ready to go crazy. What is the secret of Tooru's "attractiveness"? Probably the reason for all that hot, passionate sex, sometimes seeming meaningless, mechanical,instinctive.

In close relationship with the rest of the characters, Watanabe paves his way. His feelings are concentrated in unrealized energy rushing out. He is often overcome by an oppressive emptiness; with varying degrees of success, he wants to cry and indulge in frank confessions, to understand himself and indulge in unbridled fantasies … Could he be happy with Naoko? Undoubtedly. She just needed the protection he had once shown. Any girl wants to get at least a little confidence from her soulmate.

Long search for yourself

Those who can't wait to find out how Watanabe's story will end will look forward to the final part of Murakami's novel "Norwegian Forest" with curiosity. The summary of the work is full of interesting storylines. Thus, Naoko's psychological instability forces her to take a break from her relationship with Tooru. Student riots do not lead to the expected results. This further fuels the young man's feelings of hatred and hypocrisy towards his peers. He meets a lively, cheerful girl Midori, with whom he is very happy. While visiting Naoko at the clinic, the hero meets a patient named Ishida Reiko. While Naoko shares her memories of her sister's suicide, a new acquaintance talks about her first sexual experience. Naturally, Tooru is more attracted to her than his constantly whining girlfriend…

Haruki Murakami, “Norwegian Forest”: summary, analysis, general impressions

The intrigue of the novel is present on all its pages. It should be said separately"thank you" to the writer for having managed to keep the reader's interest in this way. The final part for many seemed the most emotional. What lies ahead for the hero?

Tooru asks his new friend Ishida for advice - which of the girls to stay with? But Naoko is dying. Watanabe travels around the country, trying to make sense of what happened. After meeting up with Reiko, he spends the night at her place. And in the morning he makes his main life decision … Especially for those who are not yet familiar with the work, we will not reveal the final ending.

Summing up, what can you say about the work as a whole? What are your impressions from reading the difficult-to-understand novel “Norwegian Forest”? The overwhelming majority of readers' reviews are in solidarity with the opinion that the book left a neutral perception and an ambiguous impression. An obvious, but not always positive fact for her assessment is the excessive presence of sex. The work is rich in thoughts, inhibited movements, cold, chilliness, emptiness and loneliness. Murakami explores the issues of being and death, knowing oneself and one's place in society in an unusual stylist that is unique to him. At the same time, some readers expressed that some part of the soul is lost forever. Your own life may seem dull, which is in no way a means of raising your mood. Individual characters are not fully developed. Most often, they are interested in sexual urges, which, in turn, makes them want to slam the book.

Key reader question: Taste and color…

Getting carried awaythe story of the main character (in fact, Tooru remains the only one “about whom” and “to whom” the novel is dedicated), you should not compare it with your own life. On the contrary, other people's mistakes teach you not to make your own mistakes. It is sad when life is perceived as devoid of any meaning and purpose, and true pleasures acquire a mechanical, artificial shade. When choosing, remember that no book can name the price of your own life, and therefore it is difficult to address Haruki Murakami's work "Norwegian Wood" to everyone.

The quotes from the novel, which were mentioned at the beginning of the article, will remain a good “vent” in difficult life situations. Here are some worthy sayings that make sense:

• “At least once I would like to get my fill of love. To make you want to shout: "Enough, now I'll burst already! Just once …"
• “We are just sharing our imperfections with each other.”
• “Don't feel sorry for yourself. Only nonentities feel sorry for themselves.”
• “It was the first time she and I were alone, and I felt great. It was as if I had been moved to the next step in my own life.”
• "This is purely my problem and you probably don't care, but I don't sleep with anyone anymore. I don't want to forget your touch."
• “Sometimes I feel like a museum curator. An empty museum without a single visitor that I look after only for myself.”

Afterword

Norwegian Forest was a worldwide success. After the novel sold millions of copies and was reprinted several times, fans wondered ifwill a movie be made based on it? The film adaptation was released in 2010, including a limited release in Russia. The picture of the same name paid off the budget spent, was awarded a nomination at the Venice Film Festival. According to viewers who have read the previous work, the picture fully reflects the key ideas of the original novel.