Haruki Murakami
Monday 1 June 2009
Haruki Murakami's new book "1Q84" (ichi kew hachi yon) was finally released last week from Shincho-sha and it's been entertaining me for the last few days. I won't talk about the book here as Haruki Murakami kept it all secret except the title of the book before it was released.I've read most of his novels and my favourites are his earlier works such as "Dance Dance Dance" and "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle". I just love the unique atmosphere Haruki Murakami creates in his words and how I get so swallowed into the Murakami World each time.
Of course I read in Japanese, but I much prefer the book designs of the English translated versions! I love the mysterious feel the each design has got there. Seems to work much better than the original ones, don't you think?
By the way, French-Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung is now directing an adaptation of Murakami's Norwegian Wood in Japan and that should be interesting to see. "Tony Takitani" directed by Jun Ichikawa in 2004 was excellent and I love it! It was the very first film anyone ever tried to make from Murakami's novel, and apparently the last bit of the script was carefully decided between the director and Murakami himself.
I love Murakami-san's books and am currently reading The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. I can't wait for IQ84 to be translated into English.
ReplyDeletewhat a great post again! i love murakami too - and so great to learn about the film - thanks!
ReplyDeleteme too - looking forward to the translation into english & french.
ReplyDeletei think these covers must be ameraican as the english ones aren't so pretty.
mizu designs.....ha! you're reading "nejimaki dori chronicle"! it's long but i love it.
ReplyDeleteii-ne-kore.....Have you seen "Tony Takitani"? It's a really beautiful film I highly recommend it especially if you like arty films. And upcoming "Norwegian Wood" by French director with all the japanese cast and all japan locations, I'm really intrigued (and I'm sure you are too)!!
Mary....I never really realised until you said it but do they translate differently in UK and US?? or is it just different covers I wonder...?
i love the movie tony takitani. such a beautiful mood. murakami is a great writer and i can't wait to see this new book out in the states!!
ReplyDeletelove your table:)
ReplyDeletereally? never seen the cover of those translated ones in london. maybe they make different covers depending on the country. i personally prefer japanese compact sized ones. its easy to carry around and love the feel of the paper:)
I only red one book from this author, i will try the titles you were recommending. The covers of the English ones look great, but i'm afraid i have to read them in Dutch :-(
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by Japanese book and magazine cover designs. They have so much details in them...almost as good as reading the book or magazine...It is visually very satisfying and gratifying...Enjoy the book
ReplyDeleteI gotta get IQ84. Fast.
ReplyDeletemy friend from a film school is making a short film based on one of Murakami's novel.
ReplyDeletei am also looking forward to his new book.
i adore his style of writing, and yes, the atmosphere of the story! i really want to read that newest book of his, but sadly it hasn't been published here..
ReplyDeleteI love Murakamis books!! I have read many of them in both english and also a few in norwegian (since I`m norwegian;)Here in Norway we have different kind of english translations. The covers is different from publisher to publisher. I also saw Tony Takitani the movie a few years ago here in Norway and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to his new book and the movie based on Norwagian Wood. very pretty covers on the ones you have shown here.
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