Wind / Pinball by Haruki Murakami

Wind / Pinball by Haruki Murakami 1

Wind/Pinball is a collection of Haruki Murakami’s first two novels, Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball, 1973. These novels are about two young men coming of age, the unnamed narrator and his friend the Rat.

The stories are about loneliness, obsession, and eroticism, and they bear all the hallmarks of Murakami’s later books. The novels are surreal and powerful, and they explore themes such as love, loss, spirituality, dreams, the power of music, redemption, and sexual identity. Murakami also investigates Japan’s World War II heritage, the notion of reality, and the authority of prophecy, fate, and nature.

What I Liked

I really don’t know – I’ve read every book that Murakami has written and I still can’t put my finger on why. There’s something – it’s a weird mix of setting, character, and something that draws me to read all of his books. Same with this one. It’s brilliant, but strange.

What I Did Not Like

Ok. Murakami is weird. Like really, really weird. I don’t think I can recommend any of his books to anyone. So, I don’t like that. But I also don’t think he can be any less weird without losing some of his books’ magic (they do a lot of magical realism anyway).

Wind/Pinball: Two novels by Haruki Murakami
$12.00
In Wind/Pinball, Haruki Murakami offers a glimpse into the lives of two young men navigating themes of loneliness, obsession, and identity. The collection features his early works, Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball, 1973, and showcases his signature surreal style. I found the stories captivating yet undeniably strange; there’s something about Murakami's blend of setting and character that keeps me hooked. However, I struggle to recommend his work to others because of its oddness. Still, I can’t help but appreciate the unique magic that comes from that weirdness.
Pros:
  • Murakami's writing is surreal and powerful.
  • The themes explored are deep and varied.
  • There's a captivating mix of setting and character that draws me in.
Cons:
  • Murakami's weirdness may alienate some readers.
  • I can't recommend his books to anyone.
  • There's no way to lessen his weirdness without losing the magic.
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02/13/2025 10:01 am GMT
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