Kafka on the Shore

Kafka on the Shore

by Haruki Murakami Year Published: 2002 #Fantasy #Fiction #Realism #Novel

Nominated by:
Preston B.
12th Grade, Thomas Jefferson High School

Preston shares:
The story blew me away at first due to its complexity, it really was unlike anything I have ever read before. Every chapter switches between the two protagonists, and their stories feel connected even though they never interact. The themes of consciousness and unconsciousness are presented through bizarre events the characters experience. This character wasn't shoved in for representation, the author just felt that a man with gender dysphoria would have been interesting to add. The writing is incredible as well! There's a graphic scene in one of Nakata's chapters where he witnesses a man eating a cat. The writing was so vivid I could smell the iron and hear the sounds of this scene, and I had begun to feel lightheaded. This doesn't feel like a book where you could "find yourself" or relate to the characters, but there are some elements that feel so comfortable to read I sometimes forget that fact. I could seriously write forever about this book and why it’s my favorite!”