South of the border, west of the sun - My reading journey and thoughts
Before we begin, rest assured that my review is spoiler-free.
Lately, without realizing it, I’ve been reading many books by Japanese writers. This one was the first by Murakami that I read.
Imagine a quiet, sunlit afternoon when the world seems to stand still, and memories of the past whisper in your ear… This is the essence of Haruki Murakami's "South of the Border, West of the Sun."
The book took me on a journey through the life of Hajime, a man who, in his youth, shared a deep connection with Shimamoto, a mysterious girl. As they grow older, they drift apart, but the memories of their brief friendship continue to haunt Hajime.
How is Murakami writing style?
Murakami’s melancholic and minimalist writing style kept me engaged during the whole journey. His prose is fluid, and he effortlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. The way he describes things is almost meditative, painting pictures with words. He's got a knack for blending everyday life with the slightly surreal, making you wonder if you've just stepped into a dream.
What themes can you find in this book?
I’d say this novel explores themes of nostalgia, lost love, and the search for meaning and fulfilment in life. It's all about love, choices, and the paths we take.
What about the characters?
Although I loved Murakami’s writing style, I wasn’t able to connect with their characters, or really understand what’s going on with them.
Hajime (the protagonist) is somewhat elusive and lacking in depth. Even with some of his actions being relatable, I felt like I wante to know more about his motivations and inner turmoil.
Sinamoto, the enigmatic character from Hajime’s past, remains as a mystery throughout much of the novel, when she suddenly appears again to show you…nothing.
But anyway, despite some character-related hiccups, the book resonates with that universal longing for something more, something just out of reach. And if this speaks to you, then this is a book worth reading.
