"You could take the negative view and live in fear: Will it happen again? But it won't hurt as much if you just accept it as a part of life"

A beautiful but mild stories of grief. I do feel the typical melancholy of banana yoshimoto's works but this one doesn't hit as much as her other works. It's beautifully written but feels pretty stale at times.

My first Murakami and honestly not too impressed. I enjoyed reading it but am very dissatisfied by the way it wrapped up.

The story follows Tsukuru, who has always believed himself to be colorless, replacable, unwanted, and empty. I loved how Murakami explored the complexity of adult relationships, the special yet fragile bond formed during adolescence, and the pain of having severed from those relationships. I felt seen during most of the book. It taught me a great deal of things. A book I badly needed to read during this very specific point of my life. The plot felt simple and quite straight-forward, yet it's simplicity was what drew me in and relate to Tsukuru.

However, despite the beautiful conversations he had with hia old friends after 16 whole years (Eri's was my favorite), there was no noticeable development to Tsukuru's character. At least not in what was conveyed in the book. Hated how the last chapter was spent on Tsukuru rambling on about train stations and watches. An important introspection yet left no space for the many many unanswered questions raised throughout the book. His relationship with Sara, which kickstarted the whole plot to begin with, was also left unanswered so unsatisfyingly. After all those conversations with his friends, I expected the story to be wrapped up beautifully instead of this abrupt mess. Can't help but feel terribly disappointed with the book as a whole.

Aside from how it ended, I really enjoyed the book and felt seen. Just wished it wrapped up in a much better way. Also, I could really understand the common critique of Murakami's pieces. Not a fan of the use of r*pe as a plot device and the objectification of women through those strange erotic dreams and the constant mention of breasts in the middle of intimate moments.

I knew how it would end yet I'm still left so so heartbroken. Throughout the story, a part of me can't help but feel hopeful that maybe they can find a life for themselves, to be free and love each other without having to hide. Unfortunately sometimes love alone is just not enough, especially during the time period. I adored the writing though. A bit jumpy yet so detailed when it needs to. Love love lovee the part when they camped, just the two boys in the middle of the woods fully embracing nature and each other.

The ending was so heart wrenching but was also a peaceful closure to the story. It really stuck with me for a while..