It is important to note that 1Q84 is not for the ill of heart. It has been compared to The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie and 1984 by George Orwell but this epic novel definitely stands on its own for its originality, depth of characters, and fluid writing style. A lengthy novel of over 1,100 pages, 1Q84 has two alternating storylines; one concerning Tengo Kawana, a cram school math teacher and the other concerning Aomame, a sports club physical trainer. Under different circumstances, they each fall into the new world of 1Q84 (aptly named by Aomame) instead of 1984, where there are two moons and a bestselling fantasy novel, Air Chrysalis, actually contains classified information about a highly religious organization, Sakigake. As each of them adjust into this new world and try to find one another after twenty years, dangerous obstacles stand in their way of them reaching their goals. With only a few trusted companions and their own inner strength, they have to survive long enough to hopefully discover a way back to the real world and have the storybook ending they so deeply desire.
This novel took on so much in terms of storytelling and character development, but one of the best parts of 1Q84 is the combination of Murakami’s writing style and the translation of Jay Rubin and Philip Gabriel. The words flowed so evenly, so much so that the reader may forget (as I did many times) that they are reading a translated novel. Because of this fluidity, it was so easy to become hypnotized by the events that took place and are swept away with the plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The other beautiful aspect of Murakami’s writing is the way that 1Q84 is a love story, but that fact is not in your face. I appreciated the way the he presented love with fate, and did not make it the focus of the story; it played an important part but you were not smothered by it.
The length, which most readers seemed to have a problem with, is a bittersweet subject for me. I do not mind a long novel because the longer the novel is, the more opportunity the author has to test his characters in various scenarios to show their complexity and versatility. On the other hand, staying at a consistent pace to keep the reader’s attention is very important in such a novel, but unfortunately in 1Q84, in the last two hundred pages, the story line becomes slower and you have to push to finish it. Please do not think that the story becomes less interesting and that is a reason not to read this amazing novel! What I mean is 80% of the novel is so fast paced sometimes you forget to breathe. Slowly, everything slows down, and the new relaxed pace is a difficult adjustment to make after such a wild ride and especially since you are so close to the end.
The ending is good, but not great. Throughout the entire novel, I could not figure out how everything would sort itself out but as the story started to relax and everything became more predictable, the ending (not a surprise) was conventional. Personally, I was hoping for something grandiose, but the fact that the ending is simple is not bad; it is merely personal preference.
The biggest mistake Murakami makes in this novel, however, is not the length or the ending but the way he eliminates key characters as the story goes on, characters that are not given a follow-up after they have left the storyline and are never heard from again. If he would have given some background as to what happens to them once they leave the story, then the story may have continued to pick up some speed. Unfortunately, though, Murakami lets them fade into the wind, almost making the reader wonder if they had ever existed in the first place.
Regardless of everything negative, Murakami's characters are what make 1Q84 a masterpiece. The characters have wonderfully well-rounded personalities and at times it is almost impossible to not make connections between your world and theirs, so much so that the readers may find themselves looking up at the sky and wondering if their moon has changed into the ones in the world of 1Q84.
Add Prime
to get Fast, Free delivery
$18.00 with 18 percent savings
List Price: $22.00 
The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Learn more
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Frequently bought together
This item: 1Q84 (Vintage International)
$18.00
Get it as soon as Monday, Dec 30
In Stock
+
$8.89 ($0.71/oz)
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 3
In Stock
+
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Products related to this item
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Great Story, definitely my favorite read from Murakami
The book itself was no problem and came in perfect condition. But one you start reading overtime, the spine of the book will get curved but that's okay. The only issue is the pages numbers on the right pages being weirdly printed backwards.
Top reviews from other countries
-
Diana Carolina Godinez RodriguezReviewed in Mexico on April 23, 2021
La historia completa en un solo libro.
Llego en excelentes condiciones, pero la sobreportada parece un poco maltratada, es de esperarse ya que está hecha de un papel tipo cebolla, muy delgado. Aún así no es anda del otro mundo. Es una edición excelente y aún muy buen precio, por los tres libros en uno.La historia completa en un solo libro.Diana Carolina Godinez Rodriguez
Reviewed in Mexico on April 23, 2021
Images in this review
- L AlksarisReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2021
just a review of the book and customer service. Have not read yet
The physical book is very good. I wanted to get the slightly more expensive and nice looking version because it's very long and I don't want to spend that much time with an ugly book. This book is definitely not ugly. The cover is very good and the font is readable. Not to big or small. The book is also very floppy. I prefer books like this as it makes it easier to turn the pages and stops the spine from creasing. I knew that I would probably enjoy this book because I've read his other stuff and loved it. I would definitely recommend reading some of his other shorter books before committing to this one just to make sure that you like his writing. I've read the wind up bird chronicles, Norwegian wood and after dark and they were all great. I'm excited to read this one. His writing style feels so engaging and you make connections in your head. Murakami never holds your hand and leaves you to interpret things. This is really refreshing as lots of modern media tells you everything and treats you like your stupid.just a review of the book and customer service. Have not read yetL Alksaris
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2021
Images in this review
-
ioReviewed in Italy on December 8, 2019
Libro fantastico nella versione a volume unico
- EONIPReviewed in India on February 16, 2019
A True Masterpiece
Thank you Amazon for providing the international Vintage Paperback Edition at such unbeatable price. The book was in excellent condition.A True MasterpieceEONIP
Reviewed in India on February 16, 2019
Now for the literary part, it's hands down one of the best Murakami creation of Magical Realism. Tango,Aomame and Fuka Eri are interwoven so intricately in this novel with such daydreaming narrative is simply unputdownable.
Images in this review
