Author: Haruki Murakami.
Kafka on the Shore is a book that moved me like no other when I was a young man. Today I finished reading for the 2nd time (15 years after the 1st read) and it moved me even more.
There is something about this book that feels so personal and warm I sometimes forget this book is not written about me.
There is a dream logic in this book: people know where to go and what to do just because they magically know it. This works here because the characters are so round and interesting, I felt like I could trust them to lead me deeper into their story.
The narrative structure is a good example of "The Hero's Journey" and even though it's predictable once you know a thing or two about writing, it's still very relatable.
The 1st half of the book is better than the 2nd. I was a little disappointed from "The entrance stone" and the mythical village in the woods. I felt like Murakami is discovering while writing and sometimes losing the grip on the drama and structure. A little bit like what Stephen King does in his writing.
Regardless, reading it right now, as I grow with my own creativity, was an amazing experience.
If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?
Verdict: 5 / 5 ★ - One of my all-times favorite novel.
