Odd but interesting ( )

This novel is sort of a continuation of A Wild Sheep Chase, a book I read a dozen years ago, know I enjoyed, but can hardly remember. All of Murakami's protagonists seem to be much the same person, but somehow their situations and life history differs in ways that the similarities don't matter. I always enjoy his characters solving their problems in the best way they can.

The version I read shows a simple dance footstep diagram here and there. Each of the 44 chapter numbers includes some sort of line under, over, slanted next to or through it. Maybe these graphics are some sort of dance notation. Maybe they are related to or even integral to the plot - I have no idea.

Dance may have more magic than other books, but Murakami manages to ground the plot in a satisfying reality. There is heartbreak and hope, long conversations, and much day-to-day life that most writers could not carry off. The book was a treat to read. ( )

Murakami is a genius. I'm really looking forward to reading [b:A Wild Sheep Chase|11298|A Wild Sheep Chase|Haruki Murakami|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166468809s/11298.jpg|2057170] (which is the prequel). The characters are life-like but very peculiar (which makes the weird plot even more interesting), and the way the author described both their emotions and interactions made me wish I knew them in real life. ( )

Read this a long while ago, but remember it being one of the Murakami's I've enjoyed the most. Will re-read at some point. It would be a 4.5 if I could give it such a thing, but I'm parsimonious with my 5s and rather to profligate with my 4s, so I'm not going to bother.

I've read quite a few of Murakami's novels and like most of the others I found it fascinating. His characters are always a little on the strange side but that doesn't change the fact that I can't wait to open the books and see what will happen to these bizarre characters next. And I am always impressed and intrigued by just how many western cultural themes enter into these novels taking place in Japan. References to Western music, films, and literature always featured thoroughly in these novels. Japan has a fascinating culture and it's a shame we don't see more references to it in Western literature. ( )