Norwegian Wood

About Naoko | Midori |

Need I really say more about Norwegian Wood, 

and no, not talking about the Beatles song but about the novel by one of my all-time favorite novelists Haruki Murakami and its 2010 feature film adaptation by Tran Anh Hung. Central in Murakami's most read novel are themes of nostalgia, loss, memory and sexuality. This novel unlike most of his other works does not have that surreal touch to it but equally touches on subjects of society & human freedom. There are only few of his books that I have not read yet but I am saving these for times of need.

About the film; 

The film is open, so much is not said but everything the book contains is conveyed in one way are another. The exact point the book brings across is displayed perfectly in the emptiness of the film. Wonderful casting, set design, cinematography, and not to forget about the musical imputes by Johnny Greenwood and the mesmerizing backdrops of the Japanese landscapes. If there is only one book you will ever read by Murakami start with this one, but also make sure to see the film. 

The book makes a great present too.