"Kafka on the Shore" – Haruki MurakamiHaruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors, and I think most of people knew him, especially for the famous novel of “Norwegian Forest”. But my favorite is this book, “Kafka on the Shore”. I had read the Chinese version and English Version, and it was my first attempt to read Japanese literature in English. Before this attempt, I always think that Chinese language is closer to Japanese language, therefore if reading the English version, I am afraid that will deviated a lot from original. But after I read the English version, I found some interesting things; English also have some advantages in Murakami’s work.
Murakami often using western cultural to portray the character inside his novel, like fond of jazz music, classical music, western literature, western movie and events. Therefore there is no difficulty to comprehend the names that appears in the novel. Unlike Chinese language or Japanese language, that maybe you will have to guess who exactly that Murakami is talking about. And it is not difficult to read in English version, because this book translated into English using words that is not too difficult, any person who can read my thread is capable to read his novel.
However, “Kafka on the Shore” is a story about a young boy that ran away from home to search his own purpose of life to finding his long lost sister and an aging simpleton called Nakata, who never recover from wartime affliction.
Two stories that seem parallel, unrelated, but linked together somehow. It is the unique story telling of Murakami. You can see in his world, cat talks, and fish falling from the sky. Extraordinary events keep appears in his creation. I especially like the part where “Kafka Tamura”, the main character in this novel went to read in the Small Library, as if I am also there with him to feel the tranquility of that atmosphere. This book gives you peace and serenity. I think Murakami’s work always have that power, the power to take you away from the city jungle and into his world. In his world, you can enjoy your loneliness, drink a cup of coffee in the afternoon, listening to jazz music, and read this book; you will find your life full of placidity and peacefulness. If you want to take adventure to this strange world, and then go buy this book, you will find it fun. Murakami himself also encourage his readers to read this book multiple times, because there are some riddles that you will discover after you read it several times.
If you already read the Chinese version, I am also recommending reading the English version all over again, because it is easy to comprehend, not so many difficult words, and you certainly improved your English while reading it.
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1 comment:
Johnny~~you wrote too much la...we don't have time to read because we have bunch of reports need to turn in before deadline. >.<
#51
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