There are symbolic dreams- dreams that symbolize some reality. Then there are symbolic realities- realities that symbolize a dream.
– Murakami
What is something you hear about quite often but got to know lately?
For me, it is Murakami, Haruki Murakami- a best seller, hailing from Japan!
Title: Wild Sheep Chase
Author: Haruki Murakam
Genre: Magic realism, Fantasy fiction
Publisher: Vintage boos
Price: 414/- (Flipkart)
Pages: 299
Audience: Adult
I tried to go beyond the first few chapters of the book twice but couldn’t, I don’t know why but when I picked it for the third time, I ended up finishing the rest of the pages in 5 days.
This is Murakami for you.
This is my first encounter with his writings and I must say, Murakami trivialises the crucial things and exaggerates the trivial in the best way possible. The reader feels a sense of detachment which doesn’t let them have an emotional reaction toward the play. As far as this book is concerned, a series of events have been described which at several points feel real and many a time, away from reality. This transition happens so swiftly that you’ll fail to take notice. That’s what magic realism does to us. One of the interesting features of this novel is loads of metafiction, which offers you a break from the central narrative to take you to another world, only to show the relation to the central plot. Most of the time, it’s left to the readers to associate them. The chapters are often short and the title directly to the point which makes the transition smooth and engaging.
Murakami’s detailing of nature, people and events is one of a kind. However, he delves into detailing the usual life which, at times, may appear tiresome to the readers. On the contrary, there are several lines that are quite remarkable and can be used as a quote. It offers a chance to peep deep into life and finding the meaning of it.
If not this book, I would suggest the readers acquaint themselves with the writing style of Murakami through any of his creative pieces. See for yourself if it amuses you.
P.S. Thanks Siddhi for gifting this book on my 24th. I am writing its review on my 26th!
©Shashank
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