First Person Singular

First Person Singular cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 3739
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781473582378
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2021-04-06
  • Reviews: 3

First Person Singular is a captivating collection of eight short stories by the internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami. Each story is narrated in the first person, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, music, and surreal scenarios that challenge the boundaries of reality. The stories explore themes of love, solitude, childhood, and memory, all infused with Murakami's signature twist. The collection is a philosophical and mysterious journey that leaves readers pondering the nature of the mind and the exterior world. /n/n The stories in First Person Singular are not just fiction; they blur the lines between memoir and imagination. With a narrator who may or may not be Murakami himself, the collection invites readers to decide what is real and what is imagined. From encounters with talking monkeys to invented jazz albums, each tale is a testament to Murakami's unique storytelling prowess. The collection has been praised by The Sunday Times and The Guardian, making it a must-read for fans of Murakami's work and new readers alike.

Reviews
Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2022-06-16
Delightful 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a delightful collection of stories that explore themes of nostalgia and youth.

Tony's review describes the book as a delightful collection of stories, particularly highlighting the longest story as an excellent piece on nostalgia and youth. The reviewer finds the book engaging and well-written.


Quick quotes

    The longest story in the book is an excellent piece on nostalgia and the memories of youth.

    The collection is both nostalgic and engaging.

    The stories are well-crafted and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · Justine Jordan · 2021-04-12
Charming 3.50

The reviewer finds the book charming and nostalgic, with a mild and affable authorial voice, though notes some unevenness.

Justine Jordan's review highlights the book's nostalgic charm and Murakami's affable writing style. However, they also mention that the book isn't without its flaws, suggesting some unevenness in the collection.


Quick quotes

    Among its themes are nostalgia, music and erotic reminiscence.

    The book is not without its charms and Murakami's mild and affable authorial voice.

    The collection isn't without its unevenness.

Reddit - r/murakami · 2020-07-18
Outstanding 4.50

The reviewer finds the book to be Murakami's best work since 2006, praising its engaging stories.

This Reddit user shares an unpopular opinion, stating that First Person Singular is Murakami's best book since 2006. They praise the stories as awesome and engaging, though they wish the book were longer.


Quick quotes

    First Person Singular has some awesome stories.

    My main problem (which is not really a problem) is that it was too short.

    Can't say I appreciate the length, but the content is great.