As has become an early-in-the-year tradition for me, I am covering a novel by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, and this time it is South of the Border, West of the Sun. It is shorter than many of the author's other more well-known works, but it contains that same element of mystery and wandering.
The Situation: Hajime was born on January 4, 1951, and he makes note that the date is in the first week of the first month of the first year of the second half of the 20th century. He also mentions that he was an only child, which was somewhat of an anomaly when he was growing up, as well as something that made him incredibly insecure. He hated the assumptions that only children were spoiled and selfish, mostly because he knew that he was in fact spoiled and self-centered. When he finds a friend in another only child, named Shimamoto, things begin to look up for Hajime. Unfortunately, the two lose touch when his family moves, and his life more or less continues in the usual way. High school, college, a few girlfriends, marriage, kids, and a couple of successful businesses...Hajime has no reason to complain about the life he has built.
The Problem: One evening, while working on one of the two bars Hajime successfully runs and owns, a beautiful woman enters and drinks alone. Only after she moves to take a seat across from him does he learn that it is Shimamoto, and her appearance completely upends his entire existence. Or rather, it confirms what he has felt for a long time: Something has been missing in his life, making him feel incomplete, despite the fact that he loves his wife and kids, and is incredibly successful. And although her existence in his life is sporadic, as Shimamoto keeps disappearing and reappearing, she is all he can think about, and the beautiful and stable life Hajime has lived is about to fall apart, and he is okay with that.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a short fiction novel that takes place mostly in the mid-20th century, covering Hajime's life up until 1988, when he would be 37 years old. Like many of Murakami's protagonist, Hajime is hapless and aimless, mostly plagued by a constant 'What If?" For those of you who love to play Murakami Bingo, you would be able to daub the spaces for mysterious woman, something vanishing, an old jazz record, urban ennui, Tokyo at night, and even a faceless villain...of sorts. The book contains that same atmosphere of mystery that fans of his novels have come to expect, though there does not appear to be any supernatural powers involved. But there are many unanswered questions.
My Verdict: What I like about this book is that it is fairly clear and straightforward. Yes, there is a good amount of mystery and a lot of questions I still need answered, but I have often gotten lost in Murakami's books and never found my way out. However, in getting lost, I was still able to enjoy the ride, and I did not enjoy this journey as much. Part of that could be due to Hajime as the main character. He resembles many of Murakami's primary male characters in that he is lost, full of questions, and not quite happy with where his life has brought him. But his journey for fulfillment has the potential to hurt his wife and kids. He admits to be selfish and self-centered, but admitting that out loud does not mean a person is free to continue acting that way. And while I am used to loose ends in Murakami novels, the ones left at the end of this book feel like oversights, rather than strategic.
Favorite Moment: While at one of his bars, Hajime hears about an old girlfriend whom he hurt terribly and where she is now. The story is enough to make him curious, and remorseful.
Favorite Character: Hajime's wife, Yukiko, is dutiful and steadfast. She also is not stupid, and knows something is going on with her husband, no matter how he tries to hide it.
Recommended Reading: I usually recommend 1Q84 or A Wild Sheep Chase when I recommend Murakami novels. I will also go ahead and recommend Norwegian Wood.
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