Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review" In a masterful synthesis, Matthew Strecher delves deeply into questions of language, religion, mythology, psychology, and the boundaries between literature and journalism to demonstrate with great clarity and concreteness how Murakami belongs in the company of such writers as Pynchon, Eco, and Rushdie." —Jay Rubin, author of
Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words"This guide clearly synthesizes the inner world enshrining Haruki Murakami’s characters."—World Literature Today
"Strecher’s latest book is erudite without being overly academic. A lively and engaging read."—The Japan Times
"Strecher neatly maps out the impression the young Murakami made on the hidebound world of Japanese literature and its overarching literary guild, one entrenched by respect, routine, and what literature ought to do."—Pop Matters
"An original and insightful book—a genuine pleasure to read."—H-Net
"Useful for providing frames through which to read Murakami and for a detailed overview of his work."—CHOICE
"This well-researched monograph not only contributes to deepening our understanding of Murakami’s work, but, more importantly, Strecher reaffirms the bottomless possibilities to enjoy reading this author’s stories."—Asian Studies Review
"Like its subject, Strecher’s book does not offer an overall master map to this world but rather presents us with a variety of intriguing ideas to ponder and to provoke us toward our own interpretations of this tantalizing, multifaceted author."—Journal of Japanese Studies
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Power of the “Story”
1. New Words, New Worlds
2. Into the Mad, Metaphysical Realm
3. Gods and Oracles, Fate and Mythology
4. Murakami Haruki as Literary Journalist
5. Forbidden Dreams from “Over There”
Epilogue: The Roads Not Taken
Notes
Bibliography
Index
