Haruki Murakami is a difficult author to write about. He is one of my favourite writers, who surprises and delights me each time I begin a new novel of his. If there is one commonality that ties his novels together, it’s the fact that his body of fiction defies categorization. Murakami frequently writes about... Continue Reading →
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, by Natasha Pulley
In Natasha Pulley’s debut novel, magical realism meets Victorian England in a tangled and strangely mesmerizing story of theoretical physics, watchmaking, Japanese history, and the Fenian Brotherhood. Three central characters rein in the kite strings on these eclectic topics, providing a solid and unified tale of mystery and friendship, whilst investigating the concept of how... Continue Reading →
The Secret Letters of the Monk who sold his Ferrari, by Robin Sharma
It’s not very often that I give a bad review for a book, except if it’s total rubbish like Fifty Shades or anything by Charles Dickens (see earlier review October 9, 2009). A few years ago, during an election campaign in Australia, one politician said of another politician: “Any man who claims to have a... Continue Reading →
Out, By Natsuo Kirino
Not a book for the faint of heart, Out is Japanese author, Kirino’s, first novel translated into English. It is, however, as equally interesting and insightful as it is macabre and grisly. Interesting in that it provides a soapbox for Kirino’s sentiments about Japanese society and the role of women within it, and grisly in... Continue Reading →
IQ84, By Haruki Murakami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICjVqeKw10g Haruki Murakami may well be my new favourite author. I recently read The Wind-up Bird Chronicle and was absolutely mesmerised. It is available through our Inter-library Loan service, but you'll find IQ84 and many others on our shelves. Murakami is a Japanese author, and if you like deep, well-thought out, odd stories, then you'll... Continue Reading →
The Sano Ichiro Mystery Series
This mystery series set in medieval Japan features Samurai detective Sano Ichiro. Together with his wife and best friend they delve into both the brutal world of the Imperial court, gangs and villages where evil have many guises. Although it is exotic in setting, the emotions and motivations are all too recognizable, whether it is the jealousy of the rivals for the Emperor's attention, the machinations of the thwarted concubine or the meglomania of the the cult leader and his single-minded followers. Addictive.
Thunder Bay Public Library's Book Blog 