Ryu Murakami: In the Miso Soup

[yaschan]

Read full review at:
http://hanami.ath.cx/in_the_miso_soup.html

Ryu Murakami, not relative to Haruki Murakami (http://hanami.ath.cx/wildsheepchase.html), is famous of his earlier novels "Almost Transparent Blue" and "Coin Locker Babies". Ryu Murakami's books sold millions of copies while he was still student. He hosted a TV talk show, and played drums in rock group. He is one of the new genious writers of Japan who dig deeper to the underground, where people don't want to see.. His books describe the world realistically, although often he is critisized being too extreme or populistic. Indeed, I must agree - his novels ain't exactly fun to read. But once you open the book - you can't stop until you reach the last page...

[deadhippo]

I have never read Ryu Murakami but have wanted to. I find it hard to find time to read a book in Japan. I feel the 500 or so pages would be a big commitment. Oh for more time.

[yaschan]

Yes, I noticed same effect in Japan. That book has less than 200 pages and you should be able to finish it in evening or two. It's not a bad one, but personally I like Haruki Murakami much more.

[deadhippo]

I too am a Murakami Haruki fan and have read all his English publications apart from his latest offerings. I want to try the Japanese versions sometime.

[yaschan]

Yes, me too. He has wrote lot of books that are not yet translated to English, and some of those books will never be translated I guess.
Also I'm getting very interested about writer called Kaori Ekuni. Her books are very famous in Japan, but its hard to find English translations.
That's why I'm trying hard to master the Japanese language now. It will take some time, but as they say "patient beggar earns his keep".