This book was published in 1987 and exploded into mainstream
Japan and made Murakami a household name. Suddenly, everyone in
Japan had read this book.
It speaks of a boy who is going through a time where everything
hits hard, the confusions of emotions, when best friends choose
suicide, the burdens of the people left behind, those who choose
death rather than life, and those who are caught in the wake of the
psychic storm that tears right through.
It speaks of a boy who is finding his place in his own life, the
characters which shape his consciousness, how they influence his
choices and his outlook.
It speaks of trying to be the strength in others' lives, living
your life for others, and the price paid.
It speaks of finding strength, finding the way home, finding
solace, in the most mundane and unusual places.
It speaks of the power of love.
Almost in the same vein of Socrates in Love, it is a good read when
you build up the momentum and you start to feel for the characters
in the book.
Highly Recommended. 4 1/2 out of 5.