Plot Reveal Warning: I dont think I can review this without some outline of the plot..
Its truly bizarre .... and sooo Murakami!
An ordinary man, Mr Katagiri, is approached by a giant frog to be a collaborator in the task for saving the city from an earthquake, for which the frog says, is yet to occur but is imminent.
Firstly the frog has to convince the man he has the right man, and that the frog knows what he's talking about. Then the frog explains the plan...
The earthquake will occur when a giant worm has a temper tantrum. .they need to intervene and stop the worm!
Of course! Makes perfect sense!
However, at the critical moment in the plan, it seems the man is stopped in his tracks... and ends up in hospital..
Misses the whole worm & frog event... underground
Earthquake is avoided..
My summary is just the highlights, Murakami takes the reader on a journey.. perhaps its fantasy, but its a captivating read. Fun. Leaves you both entertained and intrigued.
some typical Murakami moments:
- Mr Katagiri is a proper Japanese business man who insists on call the frog, Mr Frog. But the Frog insists on being called Frog.. this just adds a sense of familiarity which itself is bizarre
- Mr Katagiri, like many of Murakami's character is portrayed as an average citizen - who gets home with "his brief case and his grocery bag with fresh vegetables and canned salmon" .
- there are weird moments when things go into alternate reality. - like when Frog's demise occurs in front of Mr Katagiri (I wont explain it - it was kind of grosse.
Its s short story, with unexpected twist & turns...
And a trip worth taking with Murakami
The bonus is the graphics on every page.
I loved it.
1 comment:
Perhaps I will have to try this after all - I wasn't sure...
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