The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

December 14, 2017     laurathebibliophile     Uncategorized

The Strange Library by Haruki MurakamiThe Strange Library by Haruki Murakami, Ted Goossen
Published by Knopf on December 2nd 2014
Pages: 96
Goodreads

From internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami—a fantastical illustrated short novel about a boy imprisoned in a nightmarish library.   Opening the flaps on this unique little book, readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling Haruki Murakami's wild imagination. The story of a lonely boy, a mysterious girl, and a tormented sheep man plotting their escape from a nightmarish library, the book is like nothing else Murakami has written. Designed by Chip Kidd and fully illustrated, in full color, throughout, this small format, 96 page volume is a treat for book lovers of all ages.

This is a short book and a strange one. I picked it up because I had read Murakami’s other book (one of Murakami’s other books)  The Elephant Vanishes, and I loved Murakami’s ethereal style.

That was a good basis for choosing this book, because the style definitely transfers. From the first moment you open the book by lifting two flaps on the front, you know this is not going to be a typical reading experience.

The plot started off innocently enough, but then launched very quickly into a rollercoaster with very strong harnesses. It’s a good thing this book is so short, because I don’t trust that I could have stopped. Once you agree to that first suspension of disbelief, the story explodes.

The characters were not very deep on the page, but you got the sense that they were like icebergs— showing very little but with massive implied characterization beneath the surface.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Even if it may not be your “thing”, it is always good to step outside of that comfort zone, and it’s a short book, so there’s no big commitment, anyway.

From my shelf to yours, Laura

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