The Strange Library

The Strange Library cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 11172
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • ISBN: 9781473520165
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-12-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Strange Library is a beautifully illustrated and uniquely creepy tale that will captivate fans of Haruki Murakami's distinctive style. The story begins with a young boy who visits his local library to find a book on the Ottoman Empire's tax collection methods. However, his simple quest takes a dark turn when he is led to a mysterious 'reading room' beneath the library by a peculiar old man. Trapped in a labyrinthine maze, the boy must navigate his surroundings with the help of a sheep man who bakes donuts and a girl who communicates through hand gestures. As the old man's sinister intentions become clear, the boy must find a way to escape before it's too late. This novella is a masterful blend of surrealism and horror, showcasing Murakami's signature whimsical yet unsettling narrative style. The Strange Library is not just a story about escape; it's a meditation on the power of imagination and the thin line between reality and fantasy. The beautifully designed and fully illustrated edition adds an extra layer of depth to this enchanting and chilling tale.

Reviews
PopMatters · 2026-02-21
excellent 4.20

The book is a classic example of Murakami's opaque and dreamlike storytelling. The illustrations are a key part of the narrative, adding to the overall surreal experience.

PopMatters highlights how 'The Strange Library' is a classic example of Murakami's signature style, filled with dreamlike and often opaque storytelling. The illustrations are not just decorative but play a crucial role in the narrative, enhancing the surreal and somewhat horrifying atmosphere. The reviewer appreciates how Murakami manages to create a sense of dread and mystery within such a short story. The book's brevity is seen as an asset, allowing the reader to be fully immersed in the eerie world Murakami has created.


Quick quotes

    'The Strange Library' is a classic example of Murakami's opaque and dreamlike storytelling.

    The illustrations are a key part of the narrative, adding to the overall surreal experience.

    Murakami manages to create a sense of dread and mystery within such a short story.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2015-01-31
great 4.50

The book is a short but intense experience that captures the essence of Murakami's style. The protagonist's journey is both captivating and unsettling, making it a standout piece.

Tony found 'The Strange Library' to be a quintessential Murakami experience, packed into a very short format. The story is intense and captivating, with a protagonist whose journey is both engaging and unsettling. Tony appreciated the way Murakami weaves surreal elements into a seemingly mundane setting, creating a sense of unease that persists long after the book is finished. The illustrations are also noted for their ability to enhance the story's atmosphere, making the reading experience even more immersive.


Quick quotes

    The Strange Library is a short but intense experience that captures the essence of Murakami's style.

    The protagonist's journey is both captivating and unsettling.

    The illustrations enhance the story's atmosphere, making the reading experience even more immersive.

Like Telling The Truth · 2014-12-28
intriguing 4.00

The book starts humorously but takes a dark turn, blending comedy and horror in a unique way. The illustrations enhance the eerie atmosphere and the story's surreal nature.

This little book kicks off with a humorous tone that quickly shifts into something far more sinister. The blend of comedy and horror is handled deftly, making the reader feel both amused and unsettled. The illustrations are a standout feature, adding to the eerie and surreal atmosphere that Murakami is known for. It's a quick read, but the impact lingers, making it a memorable experience. The story's brevity doesn't detract from its depth, and the way it plays with the reader's expectations is particularly noteworthy.


Quick quotes

    This little book starts off being funny (as in ha-ha funny, not just strange funny), but it does not end that way.

    The reader and the boy find themselves in a surreal and increasingly frightening situation.

    The illustrations are a standout feature, adding to the eerie and surreal atmosphere.