Haruki Murakami

"Norwegian Wood"

In Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood," the story begins with the main character, Toru Watanabe, strolling through an airport located in Hamburg, Germany. As he walks, Toru hears a melodic instrumental rendition of the Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood," which triggers introspection about his life during the 1960s.



The narrative then shifts back in time to Toru's upbringing in Kobe, Japan. He is part of a close-knit group of friends that includes his best friend, Kizuki, and Kizuki's girlfriend, Naoko. Their lives are filled with contentment and joy until a devastating event occurs - Kizuki unexpectedly takes his own life on his seventeenth birthday. This tragic incident deeply impacts Toru and Naoko, leaving them profoundly affected. Toru finds himself constantly surrounded by the looming presence of death, while Naoko experiences the loss of her soulmate.



Following Kizuki's death, Toru and Naoko make the mutual decision to pursue higher education in Tokyo. During this time, they grow increasingly dependent on each other for emotional support. On Naoko's twentieth birthday, their relationship takes a more intimate turn, and they engage in a sexual encounter. However, Naoko subsequently leaves Toru a note explaining that she needs some time alone and checks herself into a sanitarium, a mental health facility.



While Naoko is receiving treatment, Toru encounters another student named Midori, who is part of his drama class. Midori develops feelings for Toru and expresses her interest by kissing him one night, further complicating Toru's emotional state and his involvement with Naoko.

Following the events described earlier, a protest is staged by the university students shortly thereafter, although no further details are provided about the nature or purpose of the protest. In the midst of these happenings, Toru pays a visit to Naoko at the sanitarium. During his visit, he encounters Naoko's roommate, Reiko, who is described as a woman in her late thirties. Reiko shares with Toru the philosophy upheld at the sanitarium, which centers around individuals learning to accept and cope with their true selves rather than undergoing fundamental changes.



At one point, Naoko approaches Toru in the sanitarium and undresses in front of him, revealing her beauty and leaving Toru amazed by her appearance.



As the story progresses, it is revealed that Reiko was once a prodigious piano player but experienced a nervous breakdown that led to her current situation in the sanitarium. Additionally, it is mentioned that Naoko had the traumatic experience of witnessing her oldersister's suicide.



Feeling unsettled, Toru eventually returns to Tokyo, carrying a sense of unease with him. He spends time with Midori, and they go drinking together. However, Toru's distracted and inattentive behavior leads to a sense of alienation between him and Midori. Toru finds himself torn between his feelings for both Midori and Naoko, prompting him to write a letter to Reiko seeking advice.



Reiko, in response to Toru's letter, suggests that he should pursue a

romantic relationship with Midori, providing her perspective on the matter.





As the story progresses, Naoko's mental health deteriorates, which has a significant impact on Toru's emotional well-being. This situation plunges Toru into a state of depression. However, Midori emerges as a source of support, helping him recover from his depressive state. Despite their mutual affection, Toru and Midori decide to give Toru the space he needs to sort out his feelings for Naoko.



A turning point occurs when Toru receives a letter informing him of Naoko's tragic suicide. This devastating news throws Toru into a deep despair, prompting him to aimlessly wander around Japan in his grief. After spending a month away, he eventually feels a compelling need to return to his home in Tokyo.



Reiko, who has left the sanitarium, visits Toru during this time. Together, they hold a small funeral to honor Naoko's memory, during which Toru showcases his musical talents by playing every song he knows on his guitar.



Following the funeral, Reiko stays with Toru, and despite the age difference between them, they share a night of intimacy. During a heartfelt conversation, Toru realizes the profound love he holds for Midori. Reiko subsequently departs to resume her life in Hokkaido.



A short time later, Toru reaches a pivotal moment where he must

confront his feelings. He calls Midori to express his love for her, signifying a significant turning point in their relationship. The novel concludes with Midori posing the question, "Where are you now?" as Toru ponders the answer and the uncertain future that lies ahead.



The central theme of Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood" revolves around the delicate balance between life and death. The sudden deaths of two characters profoundly impact the others, shaking them to their core. This catalyzes a process of self-reflection and soul-searching for the surviving characters, as they grapple with the weight of their own decisions. However, this introspective journey is far from easy, as they battle with depression and confusion, often tempted bythe allure of suicide as an escape from their mental and emotional challenges.



Amidst this turmoil, Midori emerges as a significant figure in Toru's life, particularly after the death of Naoko. She becomes a vital connection to the realm of the living and serves as a lifeline that potentially saves Toru from succumbing to the same fate as his friends. Thus, "Norwegian Wood" delves into a narrative woven with pain and characters who bear deep wounds, but it is also a story of healing and restoration through the transformative power of love.



The title of the novel is derived from the Beatles' song that Toru hears playing at the beginning of the story within an airport. The song itself describes an extramarital affair that one of the songwriters, John Lennon, engaged in. Notably, the song incorporates the sitar, an Indian musical instrument, and delves into themes of Eastern spirituality. By borrowing the title from this song, the novel evokes a sense of nostalgia that permeates the narrative. Both the song and the book's characters navigate the delicate interplay between the past, present, and future, seeking to make decisions for the future while reconciling with their complex and formative pasts.

"Norwegian Wood," authored by Haruki Murakami, achieved immense success within his home country of Japan, particularly among college students. The novel's popularity led to its translation into English on two separate occasions, making it accessible to a wider international audience.



In addition to its literary success, "Norwegian Wood" was adapted into a film in Japan in 2010. The movie features Kenichi Matsuyama in a prominent role. While the film garnered recognition and accolades from smaller film festivals, some critics expressed disappointment, noting that it failed to capture the essence and impact of the original novel. Despite this, the film received a limited release in the United States in 2012, allowing American audiences to experience Murakami's story on the big screen.