LoT Book CLub - Book 2 - Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by Eliza Hodgkins 1812

I guess I thought that was supposed to be his brother in-law. I'll have to reread some of this myself!

As did I.

[Not Afraid]

I don't have any idea if my own thoughts are based in any sort of reality, but I'm ok with that.

Here's where I had the thoughts about the man with no face:

Spoiler:

p242, The place was filled with people straining to catch every word that Noboru Wataya spoke. I cut across the lobby and headed straight for a corridor that connected with the guest rooms. The faceless man was standing there. As I approached, he looked at me with that faceless face of his. Then, soundlessly, he moved to block my way.

"This is the wrong time," he said. "You don't belong here now."

But the deep, slashing pain from Noboru Wataya now urged me on. I reached out and pushed the faceless man aside. He wobbled like a shadow and fell away."

This is the second time (the first being when he tell off Norobu in the restaurant) Toru actually acts on something rather than just being completely passive about it.

But, the idea of the faceless man representing Norubu deserves some thought.

[Nephythys]

Ok- I won't make the deadline- but I put a reserve on it at the library- should get it this weekend or sooner.

I'll watch closer for the next one-

[tracilicious]

Spoiler:

I found it interesting that May Kasahara's other self also presented itself to him in the well, but not in the dreamworld. The first time he went in it seemed to be the other May that locked him down there. Then when the well was filling up the other May looked down at him to talk to him. Why is the other her above the well, and not inside the dreamworld?

[Not Afraid]

I've read so many of his books now, that I find myself getting the characters and events somewhat confused. There are definitely certain themes and "characters" that appear on many of his books. There's usually a cat or 2 as well. Of course, I'm rather fond of cats myself.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I've read so many of his books now, that I find myself getting the characters and events somewhat confused. There are definitely certain themes and "characters" that appear on many of his books. There's usually a cat or 2 as well. Of course, I'm rather fond of cats myself.

Spoiler:

I loved what the missing cat represented, and what it meant when the cat finally returned home.

[Not Afraid]

This is the second Murakami book I've discussed with others (other than Chris) and I find that his stories are so very rich and textured that there are literally thousands of things that can be discussed. Toru, on the surface, seems like such a passive character, but the surrounding story is so complex and layered it makes for such wonderful storytelling and great discussion.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

This is the second Murakami book I've discussed with others (other than Chris) and I find that his stories are so very rich and textured that there are literally thousands of things that can be discussed. Toru, on the surface, seems like such a passive character, but the surrounding story is so complex and layered it makes for such wonderful storytelling and great discussion.

I wouldn't call him passive. Just open to suggestion. Unlike so many other stories, he actually listens to the advice of others. Too many stories rely on people ignoring the obvious, or good advice to create conflict. Agreability does not necessarily equate to passive.

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I wouldn't call him passive. Just open to suggestion. Unlike so many other stories, he actually listens to the advice of others. Too many stories rely on people ignoring the obvious, or good advice to create conflict. Agreability does not necessarily equate to passive.

Spoiler:

I think it's some of both. He lets the phone lady have phone sex with him, he dresses the way Nutmeg wants, various other sexual encounters happen while he just sits back and lets them happen. He doesn't get mad at May for locking him in the well, etc. I'd definitely call him passive a lot of the time. But also agreeable.

[Not Afraid]

Spoiler:

He may be other things in addition to passive, but I would definitely use the word passive as ONE of the adjectives I'd use in describing Toru. Although he does take action at certain times, he lets things happen to him quite a bit. I just was reading where he finds Creta naked, next to him in bed. He basicially does nothing about this situation but cover her with a quilt. Then he falls asleep again on the couch. Then they have this very odd conversation over breakfast and Toru that is completely unlike any conversation I've ever had. So very accepting to her odd story of showing up at his house sans clothes.

It's almost oas if he passivly accepts anything that happens in his life, no matter how odd, shocking or strange. He just acknowledges the fact that these things are odd or shocking but doesn't seem to actually react in any assertive way to these things.