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.

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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.

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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.

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narration is too far from satisfaction

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

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Not Murakami's best, and not narrated by Degas.

I'm really glad I didn't start my adventure with Murakami with this book, or I would never have become such a fan. This is not his best work. Not by a long shot. For me it's missing a lot of the essence I would find in his later books. The magic, the weirdness combined with the everyday people that encounter these events. Compared to that this reads more like a diary of a frat boy. And while John Chancer's narration is absolutely not bad, I do much prefer Rupert Degas' readings of Murakami's works.

boring

A waste of time for me. I guess Murakami is not my cup of tea.
It only kept my interest for a few minutes.

Less then other murakami works

The female characters felt 2 dimensional in their perspective of sex. The dialogue was wanting.

Best book ever!

John Chancer's performance was simply accurate. He brought these characters to life just by voice. He made them pesonal and honest, just like the book is. This was my first Haruki Murakami book and I am sure I'll read a lot more! Haruki's words are magic. They play in your ears like gentel music. He describes my emotions many times and moved me. Excellent!!

Alluringly Magical

The narration of this book was done really well. It also happens to be the first audiobook I have ever managed to sit through and listen. If you want something to listen to which keeps making you want to go back to continue it whenever you’re available, the tone set in Norwegian Wood is it. I even watched the movie after and it was really relatable.

Amazing

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