I have almost the opposite take on the book as you. To me, the second half of the novel is where it finally gets interesting. I would suggest that your discomfort with the ambiguity IS the point. Enjoying this book requires a reader who appreciates the ambiguity and the fact that the reader is left with more questions than answers, not about "plot" but about life, our own experiences. I could talk about this book for an hour straight, so I will just stop here. Anyone wanting to discuss it with me feel free to send a comment.
I really didn't get the last chapter, was it all just a dream? Why was he looking for bloodstains? I would really like to know what you think about it. I know there might not be any answers but I just want to know what other readers thought of it.
this was my first murakami novel and it actually made me want to read the rest of his books lol. it wasn't revolutionary and life-changingly thought provoking but i enjoyed it. it made me think a bit and i still dont know how to interpret the more ambiguous aspects of the book but i think thats what i liked about it. i like having concrete answers to things but theres enough there for me to make my own interpretations so im somewhat satisfied.
I just finished this book, my first Murakami novel, and it blew me away. I'll definitely read more of his books because I loved this one so much. It was interesting to hear your thoughts, though, and I understand your reasons for disliking it. Which other Murakami works would you recommend?
I have just finished reading the book. I read it in Danish (because I am from Denmark). I had a hard time relating to the characters as well. I felt that the characters were unrealistic and very different from me. Sumire was incredibly naive and her love for Miu was not real love. It was an infatuation. The beginning of the book reminded me of a modern teenage love story like Twilight. I get that Murakami wanted to describe the ultimate all consuming "love". I just don't see what Sumire saw in Miu. What did she love so much that she would disappear from the world if she could not have Miu. They had nothing in common. I loved the ending though! I thought the scene up in the ferris wheel was so exciting. I am still not sure how to interpret that scene. Who was Ferdinando? And was he actually a human being? Sometimes Muramaki describes him as a shadow following her. I am also in doubt of what actually happened in that bedroom. On one hand Murakami describes it as consensual. On the other hand he also describes Ferdinando humiliating her and mistreating her. I don't know if that has something to do with the translation. Another thing I don't understand is that why does Miu get split in two after intercourse with Ferdinando? She had a great life pursuing her dreams of becoming a pianist. I can't help thinking that Fernando was an embodiment of emptiness and loneliness. In my interpretation Miu witnessed herself becoming the most intimate with emptiness in side of her in that apartment. I think that makes good sense considering how Sumire disappeared. She disappeared after being rejected sexually by Miu. I think it was then she truly realised that she was alone like a sputnik. How do you interpret it?
yes, i do feel that this book is somehow mainly about how we are all lonely in this universe and that we try to attach ourselves to something we look up to in order to feel less lonely. But in the end, Murakami's message is that nothing can take away our essential loneliness---except for a true friend. :)
Sputnik Sweetheart was the first book i read of haruki murakami. and i was really disappointed.. i didnt think i would even read any of his other works.. but now after watching your video.. i think i must give him another chance... which book of murakami do you suggest i read?
I have almost the opposite take on the book as you. To me, the second half of the novel is where it finally gets interesting. I would suggest that your discomfort with the ambiguity IS the point. Enjoying this book requires a reader who appreciates the ambiguity and the fact that the reader is left with more questions than answers, not about "plot" but about life, our own experiences. I could talk about this book for an hour straight, so I will just stop here. Anyone wanting to discuss it with me feel free to send a comment.
I really didn't get the last chapter, was it all just a dream? Why was he looking for bloodstains? I would really like to know what you think about it. I know there might not be any answers but I just want to know what other readers thought of it.
@@radicalpizza9967 the bloodstains bit probably relates to his other side body being gnawed at by the three cats.
this was my first murakami novel and it actually made me want to read the rest of his books lol. it wasn't revolutionary and life-changingly thought provoking but i enjoyed it. it made me think a bit and i still dont know how to interpret the more ambiguous aspects of the book but i think thats what i liked about it. i like having concrete answers to things but theres enough there for me to make my own interpretations so im somewhat satisfied.
Best intro ever. Btw I just started the video so I can't comment about the whole video. But... Nice intro AHAHA
I just finished this book, my first Murakami novel, and it blew me away. I'll definitely read more of his books because I loved this one so much. It was interesting to hear your thoughts, though, and I understand your reasons for disliking it. Which other Murakami works would you recommend?
Norwegian wood
I have just finished reading the book. I read it in Danish (because I am from Denmark). I had a hard time relating to the characters as well. I felt that the characters were unrealistic and very different from me. Sumire was incredibly naive and her love for Miu was not real love. It was an infatuation. The beginning of the book reminded me of a modern teenage love story like Twilight. I get that Murakami wanted to describe the ultimate all consuming "love". I just don't see what Sumire saw in Miu. What did she love so much that she would disappear from the world if she could not have Miu. They had nothing in common. I loved the ending though! I thought the scene up in the ferris wheel was so exciting. I am still not sure how to interpret that scene. Who was Ferdinando? And was he actually a human being? Sometimes Muramaki describes him as a shadow following her. I am also in doubt of what actually happened in that bedroom. On one hand Murakami describes it as consensual. On the other hand he also describes Ferdinando humiliating her and mistreating her. I don't know if that has something to do with the translation. Another thing I don't understand is that why does Miu get split in two after intercourse with Ferdinando? She had a great life pursuing her dreams of becoming a pianist. I can't help thinking that Fernando was an embodiment of emptiness and loneliness. In my interpretation Miu witnessed herself becoming the most intimate with emptiness in side of her in that apartment. I think that makes good sense considering how Sumire disappeared. She disappeared after being rejected sexually by Miu. I think it was then she truly realised that she was alone like a sputnik. How do you interpret it?
yes, i do feel that this book is somehow mainly about how we are all lonely in this universe and that we try to attach ourselves to something we look up to in order to feel less lonely. But in the end, Murakami's message is that nothing can take away our essential loneliness---except for a true friend. :)
You sound like sumire before she met miu. Read this again in ten years, then make another review.
Correct. It lacks connections.
i got a test on this in a few hours heck
This book pissed me off. But made me think.
Sputnik Sweetheart was the first book i read of haruki murakami. and i was really disappointed.. i didnt think i would even read any of his other works.. but now after watching your video.. i think i must give him another chance... which book of murakami do you suggest i read?
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
Shit this is the first murakami novel I read and I am disappointed with the abrupt ending.