I really liked Ohikkoshi, and at the same time I was a bit disappointed. I think maybe I was expecting more. Ohikkoshi as a collection just felt too uneven in quality. But I really liked the way everyday situations could turn into bizarre relations in “Ohikkoshi”.

“Luncheon of Tears Diary” was my favorite too. It too, is very uneven in it’s pace, but I agree with you about how it really gives you an insight in the changes that occur. It feels like you’re really going through the emotional states together with Natsumi.

And as always, I think Samura’s artwork is beautiful. The page alone where Natsumi sits by the desk and is surrounded by images of her past is wonderful.

Skip Wind-Up Bird Chronicle for now if you haven’t read Murakami yet … Kafka on the Shore touches on similar themes but is more accessible, I think, and Hardboiled Wonderland at the End of the World has a more sci-fi tilt if that is more your style. After Dark is an easy read, although it is also a little different than the majority of his work … it follows the intertwined stories of several characters during one night.

I keep meaning to pick up stuff by Murakami, but every time I go, there’s like seven different books, and all of them seem a bit out there. So I always get intimidated. I’m thinking I might pick this one up though. Is there any other books by him you recommend as an intro to his stuff though? ‘Cause my past with short story collections is a bit shaky.