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Overdue

Ep 662 - Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami

Aug 12, 2024
Delve into the enchanting world of Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood,' exploring its lyrical connection to a Beatles song. Discover how the narrative intertwines themes of youth, love, and grief. The discussion highlights the significance of late 1960s Japan, including student protests and socio-political influences. Unpack the emotional landscapes of the characters as they navigate complex relationships amid personal struggles. With a sprinkle of humor, the hosts engage listeners in a lively conversation about literature and its cultural impacts.
01:11:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood' represents a significant shift to realism in his writing, diverging from his previous fantastical works.
  • The novel poignantly explores themes of grief and memory, particularly through Toru's relationships impacted by the suicide of his friend Kazuki.

Deep dives

Exploration of Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami’s career trajectory and the significance of his novel 'Norwegian Wood' are outlined. This work marked a departure into a more realistic narrative, diverging from the fantastical elements typically found in his earlier novels. Published in Japan in 1987, it became a major success, significantly shaping his career as it propelled him into the public eye, prompting him to step away from his previous jazz bar endeavors. The book remains a pivotal point in his bibliography, reflecting a growing confidence in his voice as an author.

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