59 pages • 1 hour read
Haruki MurakamiNorwegian Wood
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami follows Toru Watanabe, who, while reminiscing on his youth in the late 1960s, recounts his complex relationships with two women, Naoko and Midori, while grappling with the death of his best friend. The novel explores themes of love, loss, memory, mental health, and societal expectations through a coming-of-age narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami captivates with its poignant portrayal of love and loss, set in 1960s Japan. Readers praise its evocative writing and complex characters, resonating deeply on an emotional level. However, some feel the narrative pace can be slow and melancholic themes overwhelming. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Norwegian Wood?
A reader who would enjoy Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami is typically drawn to introspective and poignant narratives with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby would likely appreciate Murakami's exploration of young love, loss, and self-discovery.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
790LBook Details
Japanese Literature
Romance
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia
Identity: Mental Health
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Asian Literature