Tuesday, June 06, 2006

A.C.T has just finished reading.....

My first crack at a Haruki Murakami novel was the precursor to this one called A wild sheep chase. I'd barely finished reading it when I felt totally compelled to read the next one. I don't think I've ever thought about a book so much after I've finished reading one.
The story is about a nameless character who goes in search of an ex-girlfriend 'Kiki' who vanishes without a trace. Along the way he is drawn to the mysterious Dolphin Hotel and encounters various strange and interesting characters; the sheep man, a one armed poet, a depressed 13 year old girl with psychic powers and a prostitute who is murdered. Set in Japan, it's got all the elements of a perfect novel. It's funny, touching and imaginative. The images are so vivid you want to touch them and the characters are so likeable you want to know them.

I was almost tempted to pick up another of his novels after reading this one but I loved the story so much I didn't want it to be tainted by something too similar. I don't think there's any chance of that happening with Chuck Palahniuk's Choke about a sex addict who pretends to choke on food in restaurants to get money. It certainly won't be pleasant, but those vivid images of Tokyo won't go away that easily.

7 comments:

Wuching said...

i can't read anymore nowadays..i fall asleep after 2 pages!

St Jude said...

It sounds interesting, I'll have to give it a go. Have you thought about joining the Gasbags?

* (asterisk) said...

I've got about five books on the go at the moment. I read Choke a while back, and it is fab. Enjoy.

a.c.t. said...

wuching, have you tried reading comics? The pictures might keep you awake.

st jude, I might join sounds like a great opportinity to air some views about crapness.

asterisk, Choke is brilliant.

Martha Elaine Belden said...

I'm so glad you came to my page, 'cause I am really excited to read your book reviews (and other blogging escapades). I have a slight obsession with books (or a major obsession, whatever), and I love getting recommendations for stuff I haven't read or necessarily even heard about.

And this one looks fantastic!

Oh, and to answer your other question... I do know they have an American version of The Office, but it's just not as funny. Funny... but not AS funny :)

a.c.t. said...

Thanks Martha, you should definitely give this one a read but make sure you read 'A Wild Sheep Chase' first.

Martha Elaine Belden said...

Will do!