Norwegian Wood Book Review

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of love, loss, and mental health. Set in 1960s Tokyo, the book takes you on a journey through the lives of its characters, leaving you with a sense of nostalgia and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Background of Book and Author

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese author who has written numerous best-selling novels. His books have been translated into more than 50 languages.

Norwegian Wood, published in 1987, is one of his most popular works. The book is set in the 1960s and follows the story of Toru Watanabe, a college student who is torn between two women.

Murakami has stated that the book is semi-autobiographical and draws from his own experiences as a student during that time period.

Theme of the Book Norwegian Wood

The theme of Norwegian Wood is centered around the complexities of love and loss. The book explores the different ways in which people cope with grief and how it can affect their relationships with others. Mental health is also a prominent theme in the book, as several characters struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Plot Summary of Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood follows the story of Toru Watanabe, a college student who is torn between two women – his first love, Naoko, who is struggling with mental health issues, and his outgoing classmate, Midori. As Toru navigates his relationships with both women, he is forced to confront his own feelings of grief and loss. The book is a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of love and the human experience.

Set in Japan during the 1960s. The novel explores themes of love, loss, grief, and depression.

The novel has been praised for its beautiful prose and its exploration of complex emotions.

Translated into over 30 languages and has sold over 10 million

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Main Characters in Norwegian Wood

The main characters from ‘Norwegian Wood’ by Haruki Murakami:

1. Toru Watanabe – The protagonist of the story, a college student who is deeply affected by the suicide of his best friend, Kizuki.
2. Naoko – Kizuki’s girlfriend and Toru’s love interest, who is struggling with mental illness and the loss of her boyfriend.
3. Midori Kobayashi – A fellow college student who becomes close to Toru and develops feelings for him.
4. Reiko Ishida – Naoko’s roommate at a sanatorium, who becomes a mentor to both Naoko and Toru.
5. Nagasawa – Toru’s charismatic and womanizing friend from college.
6. Hatsumi – A girl from Toru’s past who resurfaces and briefly becomes involved with him.

Interesting Quotes from Norwegian Wood

1. “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”
   This quote is spoken by Reiko, a character who lives in a mountain retreat. It highlights the importance of seeking out unique and diverse perspectives in literature and life, as it can lead to more original and creative thinking.
2. “No truth can cure the sorrow we feel from losing a loved one. No truth, no sincerity, no strength, no kindness can cure that sorrow. All we can do is see it through to the end and learn something from it, but what we learn will be no help in facing the next sorrow that comes to us without warning.”
   This quote reflects the protagonist, Toru Watanabe’s, thoughts on grief and loss. It emphasizes that there is no easy solution to the pain of losing someone, but we can learn from the experience and grow as individuals.
3. “What a terrible thing it is to wound someone you really care for and to do it so unconsciously.”
   Toru Watanabe says this when he realizes that he has hurt his girlfriend, Naoko, by not being sensitive to her emotional needs. This quote highlights the importance of being aware of our actions and their impact on others, especially those we care about.
4. “Death exists, not as the opposite but as a part of life.”
   This quote is a reflection on the nature of life and death, and how they are intertwined. It suggests that we should not view death as something separate from life, but rather as an integral part of it.
5. “Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Only assholes do that.”
   This quote is spoken by Nagasawa, a friend of Toru Watanabe. It serves as a reminder to not wallow in self-pity, as it can be a self-destructive and unproductive mindset.
6. “I want you always to remember me. Will you remember that I existed, and that I stood next to you here like this?”
   Naoko says this to Toru Watanabe, expressing her desire to be remembered even after she is gone. This quote highlights the human need for connection and the fear of being forgotten.
7. “By living our lives, we nurture death.”
   This quote is another reflection on the relationship between life and death. It suggests that by living our lives to the fullest, we are also preparing for our eventual demise.
8. “But who can say what’s best? That’s why you need to grab whatever chance you have of happiness where you find it, and not worry about other people too much.”
   This quote is spoken by Midori, a character who encourages Toru Watanabe to pursue happiness and not be overly concerned with the opinions of others. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our own well-being and happiness.
9. “I was always hungry for love. Just once, I wanted to know what it was like to get my fill of it — to be fed so much love I couldn’t take any more. Just once.”
   This quote is spoken by Naoko, expressing her deep desire for love and connection. It highlights the universal human longing for love and the feeling of being truly cared for.
10. “Time weighs down on you like an old, ambiguous dream. You keep on moving, trying to sleep through it. But even if you go to the ends of the earth, you won’t be able to escape it. Still, you have to go there- to the edge of the world. There’s something you can’t do unless you get there.”
    This quote reflects Toru Watanabe’s thoughts on the passage of time and the need to keep moving forward in life. It suggests that even though we cannot escape the weight of time, we must continue to push ourselves to explore new experiences and grow as individuals.

Relevance to Current Events

Norwegian Wood explores themes that are still relevant today, such as mental health and the complexities of love and relationships. It is a novel about loss, love, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy.

The book provides a unique perspective on these issues and can help readers to better understand and empathize with those who are struggling.

Comparison with Similar Books

Norwegian Wood has been compared to other coming-of-age novels such as

1. The Catcher in the Rye: The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old boy who is expelled from his boarding school and goes on a journey through New York City. Holden is an unreliable narrator who is struggling with his identity and place in the world. He is cynical and jaded, and he often lashes out at the people around him. However, he is also deeply sensitive and caring, and he longs to find a place where he can belong. The Catcher in the Rye is a powerful and moving novel that has resonated with readers of all ages for generations. It is a story about the challenges of growing up, the importance of finding your place in the world, and the power of hope.
2. The Bell Jar: The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown while working as a guest editor at a fashion magazine in New York City. It is a powerful and disturbing novel that has been praised for its honest and insightful portrayal of mental illness.

However, what sets it apart is its unique setting in 1960s Tokyo and its exploration of Japanese culture.

Criticism or Controversies

Some critics have criticized Norwegian Wood for its portrayal of women, arguing that they are often reduced to their relationships with men. Others have criticized the book for its graphic depictions of sex and suicide.

Who Should Read This Book?

Anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of love and loss, as well as the human experience, should read Norwegian Wood. The book is also a great choice for those who are interested in Japanese culture and literature. Overall, Norwegian Wood is a beautifully written novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.