The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

by Haruki Murakami, Haruki Murakami & translated by Jay Rubin
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£12.99 Hardback • £20.00
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Format • £12.34–£19.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1319
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780099540953
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 63
  • Reviews: 4

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle is a mesmerizing exploration of the human psyche, blending magical realism with psychological depth. The story follows Toru Okada, a man who embarks on a quest to find his missing wife, delving into the hidden recesses of his own mind and the lives of those around him. /n/n Haruki Murakami's signature style shines through in this novel, with its dreamlike sequences, eccentric characters, and profound philosophical undertones. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, history, and personal introspection, creating a rich tapestry that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2024-05-10
profound 4.50

This book is a dark masterpiece of magical realism, showcasing Murakami's unique voice and storytelling prowess. It's a profound and immersive experience that lingers long after reading.

The reviewer hails this as a dark masterpiece of magical realism, highlighting Murakami's ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both surreal and deeply engaging. They appreciate the book's profound themes and its ability to linger in the reader's mind long after the final page. The story's unique blend of the mundane and the fantastical creates a world that feels both familiar and utterly strange, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a dark masterpiece of magical realism.

    Murakami's unique voice and storytelling prowess shine through.

    A profound and immersive experience that lingers long after reading.

Norbert Hires Blog · Norbert Hires · 2023-03-30
great 4.00

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a long and slow-burning novel that requires patience to piece together. The story's depth and complexity make it a rewarding read.

Norbert Hires describes The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle as a 607-page journey that unfolds slowly, requiring readers to piece together the puzzle. They note that the novel's length and complexity can be challenging, but the payoff is worth the effort. Norbert appreciates the novel's depth and the way it explores themes of identity, memory, and the subconscious. They also highlight the novel's unique blend of realism and surrealism, which creates a rich and immersive narrative. Overall, Norbert recommends the novel to readers who enjoy a challenging and rewarding reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a 607-page long book where the plot is slowly progressing.

    It takes time while you put together the puzzle.

    The story's depth and complexity make it a rewarding read.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2022-01-06
captivating 4.00

The story has a nice steady flow, with meandering moments that never distract from the overall narrative. It's a captivating read that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Tony finds the book's pacing to be a highlight, with a nice steady flow that keeps the reader engaged despite some meandering moments. They appreciate how the story never loses its grip on the reader, making it a captivating journey from start to finish. The reviewer also notes that the book's unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary creates a compelling narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    There's a nice steady flow to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.

    The story meanders at times, but never enough to distract the reader.

    A captivating read that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Pages and Coffee Cups · 2019-06-27
gripping 4.50

The book is described as gripping and prophetic, with a blend of comedy and menace. It is considered a tour de force comparable to the masterpieces of Mishima and Pynchon.

The reviewer finds the book gripping and prophetic, with a unique blend of comedy and menace. They compare it to the masterpieces of Mishima and Pynchon, highlighting its vast scope and depth. The reviewer appreciates the intricate plot and the way the story unfolds, making it a tour de force in contemporary literature. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Gripping, prophetic, suffused with comedy and menace, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a tour de force equal in scope to the masterpieces of Mishima and Pynchon.

    The book is a tour de force in contemporary literature.

    The characters are well-developed, and the narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking.

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