Chloe's post

Ever since reading Murakami, I've started to draw more significance from every day occurrences or coincidences than normal. I do think that at times my life is like one of his novels, and it's exciting to think that there are elements of magical realism at work. It makes life more interesting, for sure. But in reality, these coincidences or patterns are usually meaningless. More often than naught, I make a list of questions while I'm reading the novel about certain quirky/strange characteristics or happenings but they are never addressed again, or resolved. That's the thing in Murakami's novels - although there is some sort of resolution to the bigger conflict, they still usually leave the reader wanting at the end. Little issues are never addressed, only implied or open to interpretation. I've learned to accept that that is his style, though - nothing is really definitive or concrete. That's a theme of his metaphysical world. Even the protagonist is unusually wishy-washy or passive, and he has to undergo a metaphysical change (usually triggered by a small happening, like a cat running away) that requires him to take charge of his life. And even though the change he undergoes may not seem that different, it definitely feels like there has been a shift from the main character's mindset. I enjoy that the most, because it seems realistic.