Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami is a mesmerising anthology that delves deep into the surreal and the sublime. This collection of 24 short stories, originally published between 1981 and 2005, exemplifies Murakami's unique blend of magical realism, fantasy, and profound human insight.

Within these pages, readers encounter a dazzling array of characters and scenarios: animated crows that bring messages from beyond, a criminal monkey with a penchant for thievery, and an enigmatic man who literally melts away. Each story crafts a compelling narrative that touches on themes of loss, longing, and connection, set against richly varied backdrops. Whether it’s a chance reunion at a remote Italian café, an introspective retreat on a Greek isle, a bizarre holiday in Hawaii, or the seemingly mundane moments of everyday life, Murakami’s characters grapple with the mysteries that define the human experience.

The stories invite readers to explore the intangible – the dreams that drive us, the desires that scare us, and the intricate dance between reality and fantasy. In settings as varied as the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the quiet countrysides of rural Japan, Murakami artfully reveals the surreal within the ordinary and the profound within the prosaic. His characters often face the invisible distances that separate people who should be closest, offering a deep and touching examination of human relationships.

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is not just a collection of stories but an exploration of the human psyche, filled with moments of introspection, whimsical strangeness, and poignant beauty. The tales encapsulate Murakami’s inimitable style, marked by an intimate narrative voice that draws readers into a world where the extraordinary becomes a natural extension of reality.

‘An intimate pleasure’ – The Times

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