“I’m a concept, get it? Con-cept!”

[amari_z]

I finished reading Murakami's Kafka on the Shore. As usual with Murakami's novels, ending the book felt a bit like waking from a dream (and with this particular book, that idea becomes even more interesting). What seemed perfectly believable in the book is revealed as being strange and rather incomprehensible when the book is closed.

Although, I'll admit, as much as I did love it, I felt a small bit of let down at the end--in someways I felt that Murakami had spun up all these balls into the air and then wasn't quite sure what to do with them, especially in the Kafka part of the narrative (the chapters are split between first person narration of the 15-year-old Kafka and the story of the elderly Nakata (who can talk to cats)). But, mainly, I enjoyed visiting Murakami's slightly altered reality and the afterimages I'm left with.

Next I really am finally going to read Amalgamation Polka, which darklyscarlett was kind enough to give me.

Comments

[darklyscarlett.livejournal.com]

That's the end of a Murakami for you -- you're left on the other side of the looking glass, wistful and longing for that altered state you've come down from. There's a lot of regret in KOTS, full of wasted lives trying to find a way back into the world for a do-over.

OMG, I have that exact same icon of the Brighton carousel stored in my hard drive. It's perfect for the mood of KOTS, really.

TAP is on the other end of the literary spectrum in terms of structure and mood. He's like Pynchon, on more crack, with more love for his protagonist. I'm curious to hear what you think of it once you're done.

[amari-z.livejournal.com]

I saw that a story from his new collection is out (in the Guardian?), but I need a break from him before reading it, I think. And I saw that icon and had to use it here--it does fit the mood, doesn't it?

I'm looking forward to reading tAP, and I'll be sure to let you know what I think. Good to hear that it's different from KotS. I had a brief impulse to reread The Wild Sheep Chase (for some reason, I'm fondest of that one of his novels) while I was reading KotS, but I don't think my brain can be reabsorbed into that kind of thing for a little while.

Ashley is currently reading the draft of the next crack story. I think I traumatized her. Umm. Yeah.

[darklyscarlett.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, I can only imagine what sort of angsty situations you've dreamed up for the lads! Does Dinaden debut in this one? Is he with Tris (though why do I bother asking when you'll just leave me hanging until tomorrow)? Can't wait, regardless. Once I've committed to going on a rollercoaster, I don't chicken out, ever.

I'm going to try to score some copies of the new Murakami collection in June. If I score enough copies, you're getting one of them.

Just finished The Promise of Happiness. God, was that unexpectedly good. Ended up buying it (St. Martin's is one of the only publishing houses that's particulalry stingy about giving up ARC's or actual copies). Sweetly melancholy, beautifully written.

BTW, the PEN World Voices literary festival is ongoing. Most of the events are free of charge, and the line-up this year is jam packed. If you're free over the weekend and looking for stuff to do, check some of the readings out. On Friday night, Chris Abani and Colm Toibin are reading at KGB, Phllip Gourevitch is at the Goethe Institute, and there's a panel on twentieth-century Revolution in literature at the Public Library. I haven't checked out the rest of the weekend yet, but it all looks good. Anyway, here's the link.

[amari-z.livejournal.com]

I'm in the midst of writing a consoling e-mail back to Ash. Yes, Dinaden will appear, and apparently the fic is not light reading (I thought I was being a little evil, but didn't realize it would be traumatic, but I have no perspective on what I'm writing).

I would love to get a copy of the Murakami, but no worries if you don't get enough. As you can no doubt tell, I'm not exactly hurting over here for reading material. :D And arrghh! But in a good way. Another book to add to my seemingly infinite list of books to read. (Though I complain, there's nothing better than having a huge number of books waiting to be read.)

Unfortunately, I might be busy this weekend, but if I do have time, I will check out the events. Thanks for the tip! I'm always the last to think about looking into such things (and that's inevitably after they're over).

Okay, must finish email to Ashley. I'm feeling horribly guilty. But after this there will be shopping *cackles*