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A review by lady_wira
First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami
4.0
If reading one long story seems too daunting, a series of short stories is a great place to start. And no better author than Haruki Murakami to take you through an emotional roller-coaster.
“First Person Singular” is a collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami that was first published in 2021. The book contains eight stories that explore themes such as memory, love, loneliness, and the supernatural.
Murakami’s writing style is distinct and captivating, and this collection is no exception. Each story is narrated in the first person, giving readers a unique insight into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist. Murakami is known for his ability to weave together different threads of narrative, and in this collection, he does so seamlessly.
The collection begins with “Cream,” a story about a man obsessed with a specific brand of ice cream and its associated memories. The second story, “On a Stone Pillow,” tells the tale of a man who receives a mysterious phone call from a woman he once knew, leading him to reflect on their relationship and his life choices.
“With the Beatles,” tells the story of a man who is transported back in time to his youth, where he meets the Beatles and has a profound encounter with John Lennon. The story is both nostalgic and haunting, and Murakami’s prose captures the magic of the moment perfectly.
Another memorable story is “Charlie Parker Plays Bossa Nova.” It follows a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious jazz record that he believes has the power to transport him to another world. The story is a meditation on the power of music and its ability to transport us to places beyond our wildest dreams.
Throughout the collection, Murakami’s writing is both evocative and contemplative. He expertly weaves together different narratives, each with its unique tone and style, to create a cohesive whole. The stories are not connected in any explicit way, yet they share a common thread of introspection and self-discovery.
Excerpts:
What does it mean to be happy? How many different ways are there to live a happy life?- Cream
We don’t always choose the lives we live. Sometimes the lives choose us- On a Stone Pillow
Life is never easy, but it’s a lot more manageable when you have someone to share it with.- Charlie Parker Plays Bossa Nova
Poetry is a way of understanding the world, of seeing the beauty in the mundane.- The Yakult Swallows Poetry Collection
Memory is a strange thing. It can be both a curse and a blessing, depending on how you look at it.- Carnaval
Love is a mystery. It can be both wonderful and painful, often at the same time.- With the Beatles
We all have a story to tell, even if we’re not always sure what that story is.- Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey
Memory is a tricky thing. Sometimes we remember things that never happened, and sometimes we forget things that did.- First Person Singular
Overall, “First Person Singular” is a masterful collection of stories that showcases Murakami’s talent for blending the surreal with the mundane. It is a must-read for fans of his work, as well as anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and immersive storytelling.
“First Person Singular” is a collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami that was first published in 2021. The book contains eight stories that explore themes such as memory, love, loneliness, and the supernatural.
Murakami’s writing style is distinct and captivating, and this collection is no exception. Each story is narrated in the first person, giving readers a unique insight into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist. Murakami is known for his ability to weave together different threads of narrative, and in this collection, he does so seamlessly.
The collection begins with “Cream,” a story about a man obsessed with a specific brand of ice cream and its associated memories. The second story, “On a Stone Pillow,” tells the tale of a man who receives a mysterious phone call from a woman he once knew, leading him to reflect on their relationship and his life choices.
“With the Beatles,” tells the story of a man who is transported back in time to his youth, where he meets the Beatles and has a profound encounter with John Lennon. The story is both nostalgic and haunting, and Murakami’s prose captures the magic of the moment perfectly.
Another memorable story is “Charlie Parker Plays Bossa Nova.” It follows a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious jazz record that he believes has the power to transport him to another world. The story is a meditation on the power of music and its ability to transport us to places beyond our wildest dreams.
Throughout the collection, Murakami’s writing is both evocative and contemplative. He expertly weaves together different narratives, each with its unique tone and style, to create a cohesive whole. The stories are not connected in any explicit way, yet they share a common thread of introspection and self-discovery.
Excerpts:
What does it mean to be happy? How many different ways are there to live a happy life?- Cream
We don’t always choose the lives we live. Sometimes the lives choose us- On a Stone Pillow
Life is never easy, but it’s a lot more manageable when you have someone to share it with.- Charlie Parker Plays Bossa Nova
Poetry is a way of understanding the world, of seeing the beauty in the mundane.- The Yakult Swallows Poetry Collection
Memory is a strange thing. It can be both a curse and a blessing, depending on how you look at it.- Carnaval
Love is a mystery. It can be both wonderful and painful, often at the same time.- With the Beatles
We all have a story to tell, even if we’re not always sure what that story is.- Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey
Memory is a tricky thing. Sometimes we remember things that never happened, and sometimes we forget things that did.- First Person Singular
Overall, “First Person Singular” is a masterful collection of stories that showcases Murakami’s talent for blending the surreal with the mundane. It is a must-read for fans of his work, as well as anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and immersive storytelling.