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J.L. Sutton's Reviews > 1Q84
1Q84 (1Q84, #1-3)
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“If you can love someone with your whole heart, even one person, then there's salvation in life. Even if you can't get together with that person.”
Another wonderful immersion into Haruki Murakami's 1Q84 (second reading)! Besides Aomame's 1Q84 alternate reality, I also focused on Tengo's Cat Town. Are these realities mutually exclusive from 1984? The ending suggests we all have a choice about what reality we create and inhabit. Thoroughly enjoyed this second read!
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You never know where you'll find yourself when you pick up one of Haruki Murakami's novels. I've come to believe that's exactly the way it should be. 1Q84 is no exception. The way Murakami weaves history with a constantly evolving reality gives the feel of a speculative novel offering an alternative history. But, besides seeing 2 moons, where is the difference in what the protagonist, Aomame, has dubbed 1Q84 and 'the real' 1984? When Aomame gets out of her taxi and makes an unexpected/out of the ordinary decision, does she really open an alternative 1984 or has Aomame simply opened herself up to experiencing a deeper reality? The cab driver had both warned her that "Things are not what they seem" and "There is always only one reality." The interweaving stories of a math teacher, Tengo, and the 17-year old Fuka-Eri (whose novel Tengo rewrites) add surprises and bizarre twists to this nearly 1,000-page epic. This is a fantastic read about finding yourself and finding love! I highly recommend 1Q84!
Another wonderful immersion into Haruki Murakami's 1Q84 (second reading)! Besides Aomame's 1Q84 alternate reality, I also focused on Tengo's Cat Town. Are these realities mutually exclusive from 1984? The ending suggests we all have a choice about what reality we create and inhabit. Thoroughly enjoyed this second read!
_____
You never know where you'll find yourself when you pick up one of Haruki Murakami's novels. I've come to believe that's exactly the way it should be. 1Q84 is no exception. The way Murakami weaves history with a constantly evolving reality gives the feel of a speculative novel offering an alternative history. But, besides seeing 2 moons, where is the difference in what the protagonist, Aomame, has dubbed 1Q84 and 'the real' 1984? When Aomame gets out of her taxi and makes an unexpected/out of the ordinary decision, does she really open an alternative 1984 or has Aomame simply opened herself up to experiencing a deeper reality? The cab driver had both warned her that "Things are not what they seem" and "There is always only one reality." The interweaving stories of a math teacher, Tengo, and the 17-year old Fuka-Eri (whose novel Tengo rewrites) add surprises and bizarre twists to this nearly 1,000-page epic. This is a fantastic read about finding yourself and finding love! I highly recommend 1Q84!
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Quotes J.L. Liked
Reading Progress
August 31, 2017
–
Started Reading
September 18, 2017
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Finished Reading
February 4, 2018
– Shelved
December 11, 2019
–
Started Reading
January 21, 2020
–
Finished Reading
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MihaElla
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rated it 5 stars
Sep 18, 2019 04:12AM
Perfect! IF I may be permitted to "copy-paste" the "know-how", these are precisely my (own) thoughts on this amazing novel! Thank you very much for this ;)
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MihaElla wrote: "Perfect! IF I may be permitted to "copy-paste" the "know-how", these are precisely my (own) thoughts on this amazing novel! Thank you very much for this ;)"This is an amazing novel that I will be reading again! Thank you, MihaElla!
I loved this book and I pretty much love anything Murakami writes. Thanks for refreshing the experience.
Nancy wrote: "I loved this book and I pretty much love anything Murakami writes. Thanks for refreshing the experience."I am a big Murakami fan, but haven't read any of his works for a second time (until now). I also loved this book when I read it almost two years ago. I plan to take my time with it, but am now thoroughly enjoying rereading 1Q84! Thanks Nancy!
I wanted to reread this one, but its a huge book. I will probably stick to rereading one of his shorter novela first, maybe Norwegian Wood.What do you think of Commandatore?
Nikola wrote: "I wanted to reread this one, but its a huge book. I will probably stick to rereading one of his shorter novela first, maybe Norwegian Wood.What do you think of Commandatore?"
Of course, the writing is wonderful in Killing Commendatore; however, for me, the story wasn't as satisfying as Murakami's other novels. It did seem like a huge undertaking to reread 1Q84, considering the length, but it felt good to reenter this world. Not sure what Murakami novel I will read or reread next. Thanks Nikola!
Elyse wrote: "wonderful review J.L. - I really want to read this --and have since it first came out-- I have no idea why I haven't yet though --I guess -I get asked to read books -and or I forget --I'm going to..."
Thank you, Elyse! We don't have a lot of overlap in our Murakami reads (Kafka on the Shore and What I Think About When I Think About Running), but it seems the quality of the writing and the twists and turns are something you appreciate. It is long, but I really think you'll find 1Q84 engaging and worthwhile. Hope you find your way to it soon!
You perked my interest J. L. But nearly 1000 pages!?! Maybe not just now. Winter may be a better time to submerge myself in this.
Enthralling review, and if I am not wrong, you have read it 2 times. I am definitely picking up this marvel !
Georgia wrote: "You perked my interest J. L. But nearly 1000 pages!?! Maybe not just now. Winter may be a better time to submerge myself in this."I think you're right that you have to be ready to immerse yourself in such a long book. If that's winter, that's what works for you. I do think it is a fantastic novel and hope you find the right timing! Thanks Georgia!
Meghna wrote: "Enthralling review, and if I am not wrong, you have read it 2 times. I am definitely picking up this marvel !"Thank you so much Meghna! I've actually read 1Q84 three times now, but it is my favorite Murakami novel. I hope you enjoy it!!
I’m picking a copy now because of your review. J.L. Three times now! Wow!!! My first Haruki Murakami book was After Dark. It was a bit hard for me to understand some parts of it, that’s why I’m skeptical about this almost 1,000 pages book but I’m challenging myself. Maybe I have to read it three times too! Thanks again! I’m so looking forward to feeling how you’re feeling. I hope I’ll like it as much as you do.
Jen wrote: "I’m picking a copy now because of your review. J.L. Three times now! Wow!!! My first Haruki Murakami book was After Dark. It was a bit hard for me to understand some parts of it, that’s why I’m ske..."Haruki Murakami books are commonly difficult to understand, but I think they are also very rewarding! '1Q84' is one of my favorites, and one that I can see myself reading yet again. I hope you enjoy! I look forward to hearing how you like it. Thanks and happy reading, Jen!!
