“Some of the descriptive writing was wonderful, but I found it difficult to access and ultimately unsatisfying because the plot was confusing and unresolved. I struggled until Johnny Walker started killing the cats, which certainly got my attention, but then why did he eat their hearts when his stated purpose was to create flutes? If this is a dream, then whose? What did the cats represent? What did Nakata's ability to understand them symbolise? What caused the children to fall into comas and why was his experience different? The teacher's subsequent explanation raised even more questions. Those reviewers who state that the disparate storylines eventually combine need to explain to me how this is achieved because I was left feeling bewildered. Characters died in inexplicable circumstances, nothing is resolved, and I finished it feeling cheated and frustrated.”
“What books or authors would you recommend if you love this book?I would recommend The Separation by Christopher Priest.”
“Did Nakata have a soul? Or was that what he lost when he was 9? How come he was the only one among the hypnotised children who lost it? And if he lost his soul, how could he talk to cats? What was the thing that came out of him in his death? Was that the essence of Johnny Walker, or what he got when he was 9? Did he turn into The Boy Named Crow in the afterlife? Or was he always that boy, was the crow the other half of his shadow? If so, why did the other half go to Kafka? ”
“I just finished reading this. The book has multiple layers of meaning. Yes it is surreal, just like real life ;-) Absolutely outstanding and brilliant imagination! ”
“Just a disclaimer, I've only read two of Murakami's books: this one, and "The Wind-up Bird Chronicles". And I have to say, I love this one infinitely better. Yes, it's all crazy and everything, but it's so enjoyable. The characters are all exciting, and even the dialogue is thoroughly entertaining.”
“I can't understand it.”
“I can't understand it completely (my English is too bad, I'm sorry)”
“so random i love it. mr. nataka is so kyoot. hes so funny. excellent read”
“This is only the second Murakami book I've read...but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the way he alternates the stories with the chapters. "Kafka.." is crossing into that world of "What's real?" and "What's a dream?" "What is fantasy and what is destiny?" I love the old man who can communicate with cats -- we all have our special talents.”
