The strengths:
The novel picks up on the big questions in life, and hence expands the readers’ minds. For example when K explores the limitations of self evaluation; how can you look at yourself from an objective position? Is it possible? Do people think that they’re doing it when they’re actually not? The novel explores the concept of identity, and how major events can 'split' one; this notion takes on a surreal perspective in the novel, where the characters are literally split into pieces, when Miu is in the Ferris wheel and sees herself in a different place. This is an extremely exciting and very post modern way of looking life-changing events. I particularly liked the style in which these ideas were narrated, through self-confessed unstable narrator K.
I also liked the way in which relationships were developed in the novel particularly that between K and Sumire, the desperateness of K’s love compared to Sumire’s naive concept of friendship, completely oblivious to K’s feelings. The way in which K describes his love for Sumire struck me, he sees love as a necessity rather than a luxury, showing some of his character and leading the readers to warm to him in sympathy.
Murikami’s description of the character’s conversation within the novel is encapsulating. The way in which the scenes are painted is magical, for example when K and Sumire meet to talk at the lake and K talks about the ancient Chinese ritual of gate building, before this the conversation is wonderful, it is so natural, which is nice to see in a novel, it feels real. I think that the end of the novel is one of its strengths; it could end very badly, this would’ve been an easy ending. However it would not have been in keeping with the feel of the novel, because so much of the book is left to the readers to come to a decision about, it is not given to the readers on a plate. They have to work to understand the novel, in their own way. This is also, I think, one of the main strengths of the novel; it is a different book for everyone who reads it, and every time you do read it you can come out with something different.
The weaknesses:
I think that the weaknesses of the novel lie in the ideas presented in it. Less liberal people may find the book offensive, even. Because of the stigma attached to same sex relationships. There may also be people who do not enjoy reading the type of book that invites the reader to come to their own conclusions about the book’s storyline, some might even see this as lazy writing, a book in which the author has not presented any ideas, has been frightened, perhaps, and therefore left it up to his readers. There are also some people who would not enjoy the surreal aspects of the novel; however I would argue that they aren’t really surreal, they are metaphors.
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8 comments:
I agree with the idea that there are magical qualities to the novel. So, more magical realism than surrealism?
Do you find all the conversations realistic?
The way Murakami is allowing a character to look at herself objectively is good. Is Sumire being objective? It raises an important question about the place of objectivity in the novel.
You make some good comments here.
I thinbk that Camille's blog is the best in the world. Much better than mine could EVER be. I smell.
I think that the ending of the novel is unsatisfactory. I agree with you that it fits in with the rest of the novel but he could have done something clever which wrapped up the story, and still retain the surreal (or magical realism...) aspect of the novel.
I wouldnt call the writing lazy exactly, but i agree with megan in that the ending is kind of usless. It leaves too much to the imagination, so you can never be sure what actually happened, making it more half a book, if that makes sense
I'm not sure if i agree that the sexual aspect of the book would make it less sellable. Ithink the opposite is more likely. When i was reading the book in the summer lots of people wanted to pick up the book and read it or ask me about it when they saw the picture of the naked woman on the front cover. When told that it is a book involving a lesbian love triangle they seem incredibly interested...does the prudish section of the comunity outweigh the sex maniacs?
hopefully amy, hopefully. :P
i think the sexuality of the book, so to speak, adds to it. relationships of most kinds in real life involve some form of sexuality, so for this novel to understand and embrace this, it seems to me to be a real strength.
I think also the sexual nature of the book adds to it, not in a pervy i- love-a-bit-of-lesbianism way, but just because its a reality these days and so I'm glad someone is portraying a reality that may not be so open usually...And in response to Amies comment, I think the prudish people are outweighed in the world by the say non-prudish people (rather than sex maniacs as you put it :P lol)
i definitely agree with most of the points you have made but i am confused about the last..."There are also some people who would not enjoy the surreal aspects of the novel; however I would argue that they aren’t really surreal, they are metaphors." i think that yes the book has many surreal elements, yet i wouldn't refer to all of them necessarily as metaphors.
Also evryone seems to have their own opinion about the sexual references so i may as well say mine. I think that this aspect is true to life nowaday and presents an aspect of realism, in my opinion it makes the book more interesting and i totally know what amy means about the front cover because i found myself having the same experience! lol!
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