Thoughts on: "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" by Haruki Murakami

Murakami is remarkably consistent: his writing seldom if ever slips below the readable mark. Many of the stories here rank up with his best work. "The Rise and Fall of Sharpie Cakes" is a humorous and frightening Kafka-esque tale of psychotic crows and their control of a dessert company, the sort of story that only Murakami can dream up. The story that gave the collection its name, meanwhile, has the sort of bittersweet tone found in his classic "Norweigan Wood".

In the foreword, Murakami claims that his previous short story collection, "After the Quake", was more like an album than a book. If that's the case, then "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is his "White Album". There are some incredible pieces here, but honestly, it could do with some trimming. Within this collection there are stories that feel like retreads. Elsewhere, other stories feel formulaic, even if said formula is rather unique.

This is not the place to start with Murakami the short story writer. I would recommend starting with "After the Quake" (his "Revolver") and then going to "The Elephant Vanishes" (his "Help!"). In any event, we do appreciate him being 'round.

Verdict: Wait for the paperback

[Read my Wrap-up of Murakami's Novels]

Trailer of the Movie "Tony Takitani", based on the Murakami Short Story: