Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

“Norwegian Wood” is a novel by Haruki Murakami, first published in 1987. Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, the novel follows the life of Toru Watanabe, a college student, as he navigates the complexities of love, loss, and growing up.

The novel is framed as a retrospective narration, with Toru looking back on his life as a college student and his relationships with two women, Naoko and Midori. Naoko is a childhood friend of Toru’s who is struggling with mental illness after the suicide of her previous boyfriend. Midori is a vivacious and independent classmate of Toru’s who he begins to develop feelings for.

As Toru navigates his relationships with Naoko and Midori, he also grapples with the broader social and political issues of the time, including student protests and the changing role of women in Japanese society.

Throughout the novel, Murakami’s prose is characterized by its understated elegance and introspective tone. He explores themes of love, loss, and existential angst with a sensitivity and depth that have made him one of the most beloved writers of his generation.

“Norwegian Wood” has been praised for its emotional resonance and its ability to capture the spirit of a generation. It has been translated into several languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide, cementing Murakami’s reputation as one of the most important writers of contemporary fiction.