Author: Haruki Murakami.
This novel hit me so hard in my soft belly; The plot, characters and the excellent writing without compromising nor censorship are dancing together so well. The main story of Toru and Kumiko genuinely broke my heart. May Kasahara is my favorite character in all of Murakami's books I've read thus far, she is so funny, twisted and beautiful. the side story of Lieutenant Mamiya & Mr. Honda about the Japanese occupation of Manchukuo was super interesting and horrific. Malta & Creta Kano + Nutmeg & Cinnamon were quirky and colorful with some flavorful darkness to them. I was worry that Murakami is writing himself to a corner, that he over develops the plot and characters he will not be able to give a closure. And in some way, I was right: The last few chapters feel like a jumble of dreamscapes that try forcefully to reconcile Toru's investigation after Kumiko and after himself. But after that, the last 2 chapters give some comfort and raise even more questions.
I think I need to read it again after I recover a little. Maybe in a few years from now.
Verdict: 4.5 / 5 ★ - Excellent!
