By Narayan Saimbi
Most people’s perception of Haruki Murakami comes from his most famous work, Norwegian Wood. The 1987 novel centres around Toru Watanabe, as he recounts his days as a student in 1960s Tokyo. He recalls working in record shops, meeting new friends and dealing with roommates. However, the most memorable, and haunting, aspect of his time in Tokyo are his romantic adventures. Notably, with a woman called Naoko; the ex-girlfriend of Watanabe’s dead best friend from home.
The Story
Throughout the novel, we see the complex dynamic between Watanabe and Naoko. Whilst the book is ultimately one of heartbreak, Murakami treats us to a full insight into the feelings that both of these characters have for each other. Watanabe clearly loves Naoko. However, Naoko cannot be in a relationship with Watanabe due to their shared past and her own mental health issues. This dilemma is the main focus of Norwegian Wood and weighs on Watanabe throughout his college years and beyond.
Even though Watanabe cannot be with Naoko, these feelings prevent him from pursuing a romantic relationship with other women. In particular, these feelings are a point of tension between himself and a girl called Midori, a girl who Watanabe strikes up a deep and meaningful relationship with throughout the course of the book. As long as Watanabe keeps waiting for Naoko, his life stagnates. He cannot progress if he is still stuck in the past. This issue does get resolved for Watanabe, but in a way that he would never ask for in a million years.
Image credits: Pratikshya Mishra
The Themes
One of the greatest motifs in Norwegian Wood is the theme of music. This is no surprise, as music is a constant theme in a lot of Murakami’s novels. Whilst jazz is normally the genre of choice, the contemporary music of the 1960s makes Norwegian Wood stand out within Murakami’s works and works wonderfully for the book’s story and themes.
These songs are expressed through the book by Naoko’s best friend Reiko Ishida. A talented instrumentalist, Reiko soundtracks Watanabe and Naoko’s visits with “Michelle”, “Here Comes the Sun” and of course, “Norwegian Wood”. These Lennon-McCartney tunes provide levity in the moment, but also create a haunting sensation for Watanabe. Whenever he hears these songs, his mind is cast back to Naoko and the everlasting turmoil in his heart around her.
Image credits: Toho
The most overarching theme, however, is the theme of change. Most of the main characters we follow are deeply changed from the start of the book- for better or worse. Reiko manages to leave the sanctuary where she stayed with Naoko. Midori seems to find peace with Watanabe after breaking up with her boyfriend. And Watanabe appears to physically move on from Naoko (albeit not mentally). These characters are almost unrecognisable from the start of the novel and whilst their experiences are not those of the everyday person, they do reflect the changes that we face growing up.
For Watanabe and Midori, their changes reflect the transitions we all face from childhood to adulthood. University is the microcosm for these two (and many others in the world). But for Reiko, it’s the departure from a familiar setting, a place she called ‘home’. Murakami manages to make growing up sound both haunting and beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that the novel has managed to cement itself as one of the best coming-of-age stories from the 20th century.
Norwegian Wood is a haunting story of romance, grief and growing up. Murakami blends these themes together, using the music from the ‘60s as the glue between them all. No matter what stage in life you’re at, it’s worth reading at least once. Murakami’s works are so critically acclaimed- I hope Norwegian Wood is able to show you why.
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