“Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World” by Haruki Murakami – A Place Within Yourself

Since the moment we were born the quest to find our place in this world has been thrust upon us, and for many it is one that haunts them from beginning to end, never really finding the crevice they fit in perfectly.

Nevertheless, we keep on living through life in hope of answers, understanding and meaning, many coming to the conclusion that we ought to carve our own places in this world, rather than search for them.

In Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Haruki Murakami presents us with two parallel stories centred on that idea in their own ways.

In the first story we are introduced to a futuristic world where information is the number one most coveted resource, and of course the catalyst for many misfortunes to come. Without going into too much detail, we follow a Calcutec man whose job consists of laundering and encrypting data, finding himself embroiled in a conspiracy resulting from a genius researcher's forays into ways of manipulating the human subconscious, his mind the key to an incalculable breakthrough.

Complete with unicorn skulls, sound removal, an annoying and destructive duo as well as the help of two peculiar women, the Calcutec's adventures are just beginning, and take him to the most unexpected places in his own consciousness.

The second story, told in the even-numbered chapters, tells of a strange, isolated and somewhat mystical town with roaming passive golden beasts, a town where the narrator wakes up with no former memory of himself. Separated from his own shadow, who now lives in the shadow grounds and isn't expected to make it through winter, the narrator searches for the reason he came to the town, surrounded by an impregnable wall, guarded by the gatekeeper. He soon learns that his role is that of the dreamreader, and intends to learn more about the town, so that he and his shadow may escape before it is too late.

As is always the case with Murakami, we are presented with a story that has lots of depth and layers to cover, with enough food for thought to keep you occupied for days on end. The author really takes his time to elaborate theories about human consciousness and the subconscious, how they interact with one another, and what can be achieved through their manipulation.

Though I have to admit that some of the more scientific explanations are tough to follow and probably won't make much sense to most of us, Murakami ensures that we also get an explanation in layman's terms.

Also, Murakami really makes a point of delving into the question of personal identity, for the natural human strive to find a comfortable and fitting place not only in the world, but also in our own minds. There is quite a bit to take in, this being the type of book that needs to be read more than once to take it all in.

As far as the plot goes, the two somewhat intertwining stories both offer something different. In the first one, following the Calcutec, we are taken along a very wild, dangerous, surprising, and often-ridiculous ride as the characters race against the clock to stop the titular end of the world, with more and more absurd hurdles raised in front of them.

The second is slower and more ponderous, with the character taking his time in the exploration of the town, its intricate structure, and the very different lives of the people within. Together, they help to create a most excellent pace that keeps things fresh without going too slow nor too fast.

There's always some kind of mystery or strangeness that will hook your attention, and there will always be fascinating characters to learn more about. Speaking of which, as you'd always expect from Murakami, the many people we get to meet on this journey are creative and unique in their own ways, remarkable whether they be complex or simple in their mindset.

In conclusion, this is a very unique, moving and thought-provoking novel that certainly stands out for its originality and the depth of its philosophies. This is certainly Murakami at his best, and it's a book I highly recommend to anyone who already likes the author, or is looking for the right novel to get acquainted with him.

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Haruki Murakami Personal site Haruki Murakami is a Japanese writer and author of numerous bestsellers, some of which earned him the Franz Kafka Prize, the Jerusalem Prize, the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, and others. Some of his better known works include Hear the Wind Sing and Kafka on the Shore.