Murakami : An absurd writer with genius philosophies

Sourav Tripathy
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE
Published in
5 min readJun 26, 2023

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Haruki Murakami

In the realm of contemporary literature, few authors possess the ability to captivate readers with their enigmatic narratives and profound insights like Haruki Murakami. With his distinctive blend of absurdity and philosophy, Murakami has carved out a unique space for himself in the literary landscape. As we delve into the extraordinary realm of Murakami’s works, we find ourselves in a mesmerizing universe where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the profound intertwines with the mundane.

Murakami’s literary creations transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling, ushering readers into a surreal dimension that defies logic and embraces the inexplicable. Through his novels such as “Kafka on the Shore,” “Norwegian Wood,” and “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” Murakami seamlessly blends the real and the surreal, enveloping his characters in bizarre encounters and uncanny circumstances. It is within this realm of absurdity that Murakami masterfully weaves his tales, leaving readers both bewildered and entranced.

His books follows no rules and it doesn’t adhere to reason, and applicability is not an issue. It fills you up, it tears you down. A fugue of emotions are present, you can’t seem to figure out which of the many different realizations flooding you is most important. Waves roll up again and again on the beach of your consciousness and at first you resist, but after a while you understand that your struggle is pointless, so you give in. You read, you feel, you try to understand, you try to make sense. And you know what? You love it.

The Labyrinth of Philosophy:

In simple words to me, Murakami is brilliant and messy. One minute you are deep in a sandstorm of reality, while the very next moment he dumps magical realism on it, as if it is okay for a normal reader to devour what he is trying to say. His characters, while undoubtedly intriguing and memorable, often exhibit a certain sense of detachment that simultaneously captivates and perplexes readers. On the positive side, Murakami excels in crafting complex and enigmatic characters who navigate a surreal world with a sense of introspection and vulnerability. His protagonists often find themselves on a quest for meaning, grappling with existential dilemmas that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. These characters possess a relatable sense of longing and introspection, drawing us into their internal struggles. However, at times, the emotional depth of Murakami’s characters can feel elusive, leaving readers yearning for a more profound connection. While this sense of detachment aligns with the author’s style and themes, it occasionally creates a slight distance that can hinder the reader’s ability to fully empathize with the characters. Nevertheless, Murakami’s characters remain enigmatic figures who continue to challenge our perceptions of reality, offering a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

Beyond the surface of absurdity lies a profound philosophical undercurrent that pulsates throughout Murakami’s body of work. His narratives serve as vessels for exploring existential questions, delving into the depths of human consciousness, and pondering the nature of reality itself. And to be fair this attracted me to read Murakami in the first place.

Just a small glance at a great metaphor from Murakami's famous book — “Norwegian Wood”

Magical Realism and Blurred Boundaries:

Murakami’s genius lies in his adept utilization of magical realism, where the fantastical merges seamlessly with the ordinary. His distinctive style blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, compelling readers to question the very fabric of their own perceptions. Mirrors become portals to other dimensions, cats speak with wisdom, and dreams intertwine with waking life. In this realm of blurred boundaries, Murakami invites us to embrace the fluidity of existence, where the inexplicable becomes an essential part of our collective reality.

The Murakami Effect:

Haruki Murakami’s literary prowess has garnered a devoted following across the globe. His works transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds. Murakami’s narratives offer solace to the existential quandaries that plague the human psyche, inviting us to confront the uncertainties of life with curiosity rather than fear. Through his novels, he has given voice to the universal experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning, cementing his status as a literary icon of our time.

I possess no such power to describe the genius of Murakami and also critique him because I am mesmerized by his writings. He was my introduction to surreal thoughts and magical realism in the simplest way and all I can say to everyone reading this, you must read Murakami's work. It's an experience you just can’t deny. I am yet to experience more of his works and this is my understanding.

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Sourav Tripathy
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE

Exploring love, literature, books, science, physics, and AI. Join me on a journey of contemplation and discovery. Writing services at lipuntripathy74@gmail.com