Reflecting on Haruki Murakami‘s ‘Norwegian Wood
Synopsis WITH Spoilers in the very end!!
Synopsis:
In “Norwegian Wood,” Haruki Murakami transports readers to 1960s Tokyo, where we follow Toru Watanabe as he navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. Amid the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, Toru is drawn to two very different women: Naoko, a beautiful yet emotionally fragile woman who was his best friend’s first love, and Midori, an outgoing and lively young woman. Murakami’s novel explores the deep emotional struggles and the haunting memories that shape our lives.
My Personal Review:
How can I start this review? “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami touched me deeply in many ways. This is a book I read some time ago, but I’ve only now felt ready to articulate my thoughts about it. At the time, I was going through significant changes in my life—some very happy moments interspersed with intense mental health struggles. I hate to admit it, but reading this book almost pushed me over the edge, yet it also saved me.
The range of emotions I experienced while reading was unique, unlike anything any other book has ever provoked in me. Murakami’s atmosphere is captivating. Having read several of his works, I usually see his characters as people who accept things as they come, moving forward in strange ways. However, this book shifted that perspective for me. It showed how being deeply attached to past actions can turn them into our daily present.
“Norwegian Wood” was a unique experience and changed my view on Murakami’s writing. It was an extremely depressing novel for me, and the ending felt unsatisfying. I longed to know more about the fate of the characters, but I’ve come to accept that this ambiguity is part of what makes the novel a five-star read for me. Life is ambiguous, nothing is set in stone, and everyone carries the weight of their past.
I wish I could say I enjoyed every page, but the truth is, I hated some parts. The fact that this novel made me feel so intensely is a testament to its power. I’m glad I finally managed to put down a review that reflects my own unique perspective.
Synopsis With Spoilers!:
The story begins with Toru Watanabe, a 37-year-old man, who hears The Beatles’ song “Norwegian Wood” on a flight, triggering memories of his youth in the 1960s. The novel is a deep dive into these memories, focusing on his complex relationships with two women, Naoko and Midori.
Toru’s story starts when he is 19 and studying drama at a university in Tokyo. He is deeply affected by the suicide of his high school friend Kizuki. Toru and Kizuki’s girlfriend, Naoko, are left to cope with their grief. They begin spending time together, forming a fragile and complicated bond. Naoko is deeply troubled, struggling with mental health issues, and eventually retreats to a sanatorium called Ami Hostel for treatment.
While Naoko is away, Toru meets Midori Kobayashi, a vibrant and outspoken fellow student. Midori is a stark contrast to Naoko; she is lively, candid, and has a complex family life, including caring for her dying father. Despite his growing feelings for Midori, Toru remains emotionally entangled with Naoko.
Toru visits Naoko at the sanatorium, where he meets Reiko Ishida, Naoko’s roommate and an older woman who becomes a confidante. During this visit, it becomes clear that Naoko’s condition is more severe than Toru realized. They share an intimate night together, but Naoko’s mental state continues to deteriorate. She expresses her struggle with her emotions and memories, particularly the impact of Kizuki’s death on her psyche.
Back in Tokyo, Toru’s relationship with Midori develops. They share several intimate and candid conversations, and Midori eventually confesses her feelings for Toru. However, Toru is conflicted, torn between his loyalty to Naoko and his growing affection for Midori.
The novel’s climax occurs when Toru receives news of Naoko’s suicide. Devastated, Toru embarks on a solitary journey across Japan, struggling to make sense of his loss and his place in the world. He writes to Reiko, who eventually visits him in Tokyo. Reiko shares her own story of past trauma and recovery, and they find solace in each other’s company. Their relationship becomes briefly intimate, providing a form of closure for both of them.
The novel ends with Toru calling Midori from a phone booth, ready to move forward with his life. He tells her he loves her and asks where she is, to which she responds ambiguously. Toru looks around, feeling lost in the vastness of the world but also ready to embrace the uncertainty of his future. The story closes on this ambiguous note, leaving readers to ponder Toru’s ultimate fate and the nature of his relationships.
“Norwegian Wood” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the painful process of growing up. Through Toru’s relationships with Naoko and Midori, Murakami delves into themes of memory, mental illness, and the enduring impact of past traumas on present lives.
Xochitl Books
Tags: Fiction, Psychological, Romance, Literary, Coming-of-Age
Xochitl Books 
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