simmo

My first and really only serious negative thought of this book, or rather this trilogy, is that it is too long. Way too long. I think it suffers one volume too many. The chronology in the third volume is a little different from the previous volumes and there is a jarring introduction of a third perspective – someone in addition to the two main protagonists. It feels like the third volume is an afterthought and needed to be padded, which is a shame, if it were two volumes, with a quite long epilogue, I think I would have been much happier.

I like the core story – about two people who are connected at a young age, but lose touch and then strive to find each other again. A second chance. Wouldn't we all like one of those! It is quite touching.

The other characters, the alternative reality and/or blending of real and imaginary worlds are interesting enough and I stuck with it, which says something at least, but it is not one of Murukami's greatest works.