NP: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

[Ghetta Life]

I agree with you, Laura.  The WUBC is at times a "tease," hinting at 
mystical meanings and conspiracies, but never really developing them.  Only 
the battle in the other-worldly hotel really develops into something other 
than a vague possibility.  And far too many leads and hints go absolutely 
nowhere.   Some of this disconnect might be cultural.  Mirakami does portray 
a sort-of pantheistic all-species spirituality, which comes off better in 
his lastest novel:  Kafka on the Shore.  This is a better book, but still 
not great.

Ghetta

>From: kelber at mindspring.com
>
>Just finished reading "the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle," by Haruki Murakami.  
>When I was asking for reading suggestions a while back, a number of people 
>on this list recommended it.  Also, the blurb on the back of the book 
>compared it to Pynchon.  I have to say, I was really disappointed.  Aside 
>from some historical flashbacks (which were the best part of the book) and 
>a vague atmosphere of conspiracy, there was nothing Pynchonesque about it.  
>The writing was minimalist and the characters and conspiracy elements got 
>way too close to being merely cute (ick).  The most telling difference:  
>it's easy to imagine this as a flick; extremely difficult for Pynchon's 
>work.
>
>Just curious to hear why people like this book so much.

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