Norwegian Wood

Wistful, magical, poetic, touching

Like all of Murakimi's works this is a book you never want to put down. It's not so much the story itself, which is as wonderful and unexpected as always, but the pleasure of spending time in Murakami's world and being able to see through his eyes. He has an almost magical ability to make anything he describes fascinating, touching and deeply enlightening.

My only minor quibble was that although the reader was perfectly good the book would have deserved much better narration, with clearer dramatic personification of the individual characters. This really isn't a criticism of this reader, I've just been spoiled recently by truly superlative readers like Simon Prebble.

3人中3人のお客様がこのレビューが参考になったと答えています。

Great for the long drives

Would you listen to Norwegian Wood again? Why?

Just a very well written (spoken!) book. Easy to get into, has subtle depth and has a story and premise that I think everyone can relate to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Norwegian Wood?

The relationship analysis that the main character describes and his whole journey. Almost like Catcher in the Rye.

Have you listened to any of John Chancer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to John Chancer before but his voice acting made this thoroughly enjoyable, especially the voice of Midori.

If you could take any character from Norwegian Wood out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Midori, she's so fun and spontaneous!

Any additional comments?

The funny thing is a lot of financially successful people I know loath this book and think it's a waste of time, I guess this book is for the dreamers out there.

2人中2人のお客様がこのレビューが参考になったと答えています。

Wonderful book.

I saw the movie version last weekend and really liked it. Discussed it a lot with my regular cinema buddy. But I'm really glad I bought this audiobook. It's so much deeper. And what a great description of the late 60's in Japan.
And the way the protagonist uses senses to evoke memories, just amazing!
It's deeply felt, but not too sentimental.
I know I'm gushing, but this book really touched me.
Loved how each chapter had a musical interlude.
Highly recommended.

1人中1人のお客様がこのレビューが参考になったと答えています。

narration is too far from satisfaction

Even the pronunciation of protagonist's name is wrong. I doubt if the narrator really understands the text.

3人中2人のお客様がこのレビューが参考になったと答えています。

Amazing

A piece of art, puzzlung, sensual, creative, thrilling and touching. Another great work of Haruki Murakami

Excellent!!!

Murakami knows how to enter Inside of the people’s mind, writing about feelings from a very deep inside about death.Many people are strong enough and others just break apart .

Terrific

I have to write something about this book. I love this book. I read it in Chinese 20 years ago and Japanese 10 years ago, and now I heard through the wonderful English version. The narrator's voice is so soothing. Each scene arise so vividly. Can't ask for more.

Beautifully written, awfully read

Is there anything you would change about this book?

A lovely book, modern and magical at the same time. However, the way the narrator mispronounces all the Japanese words drives me mad.

What other book might you compare Norwegian Wood to and why?

Never let me go

What didn’t you like about John Chancer’s performance?

Doesn't pronounce any of the character's names correctly. Japanese has a very specific pronunciation for each letter - so this can't be argued.

Was Norwegian Wood worth the listening time?

Yes

Not my favorite Murakami

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No I wouldn't really want to change anything, it is what it is.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I don't think it should be changed. There is nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't for me.

Have you listened to any of John Chancer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think I have listened to any other of his performances.

Perfect first time

Beautifully read and wonderful story. Definitely holds one's attention. Will return to Murakami over and over and Chancer certainly did this one justice.