I’m disappointed with some aspects of Kafka on the Shore, but overall, the novel was worth reading. Since I’ve read nearly every work translated into English, I’ve come to expect the unexpected when I read Murakami. I don’t have that, “what the #@%! is going on” reaction that will keep new readers turning pages. But the concepts are so clearly illustrated in this novel, it’s almost a guidebook to understanding everything else he’s written so far. Like Murakami’s saying, “maybe this is what my way of writing a story is all about.” The writing is weak at spots, and could have used more work, but he is definitely still growing as a writer.

Other Murakami books I recommend are Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World,Norwegian Wood, or The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Read all three if you have time.