アフターダーク

Dark Ramblings

I've read a number of Murakami's works, but this was my first attempt in Japanese. It certainly maintains his trademark 'magical realism' or whatever... but it just wasn't very satisfying overall. The plot-lines of the various characters have some interesting moments but don't really amount to anything substantial and... suddenly it's over.

The language alternated between fairly easy to understand, Tarantino-esque dialogue and long, rather descriptive and esoteric exposition.

If you've already read some of Murakami's more interesting novels (Kafka on the Shore, Dance Dance Dance, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, etc.) then give it a go, but I can't give After Dark the same wholehearted recommendation.