Best Haruki Murakami Books, Ranked

 Haruki Murakami Books 

Many readers around the world are captivated by the unique works of Haruki Murakami. The Japanese author has been acclaimed for his distinctly magical writing style, with stories dealing with the surreal and mundane alike being captivating yet accessible. He is known for his offbeat, sometimes eccentric settings and characters, his passion for Western culture and his widely celebrated meditation on the complex nature of human relationships. His books are widely enjoyed and read by millions of people around the world, and so it’s no wonder his works have improved the overall quality of literature globally.

The Murakami Craze and Popularity 

Haruki Murakami is one of the most popular contemporary authors of the 21st century, with a cult following collectively called the ‘Murakami fans’. His works have been translated into more than 50 languages, and several of his novels have been made into films and stage productions. In fact, his writing has even been adapted for manga comics, which were global sensations. Besides, his works have long been loved by countless literary awards, including the most prestigious one among them, the Guinness Book of World Records-awarded Franz Kafka Prize, one of the most coveted literary awards globally.

In this article, we’ll examine some of the best works of Haruki Murakami, as well as the reasons behind why they are considered his best.

Top 10 Best Haruki Murakami Books

1. Norwegian Wood: Norwegian Wood is one of the most highly acclaimed books of Murakami’s career. It is a coming-of-age story about a young man who is trying to deal with the grief of his best friend’s suicide. It’s a touching and honest story about love and loss, and the very human struggles associated with both.

2. Kafka on the Shore: Kafka on the Shore is one of Murakami’s most symbolic works. It follows two intertwined stories about a boy’s quest for his identity and a man’s pursuit of the truth. It is a captivating and intricately crafted work, filled with Murakami’s trademark surrealism and symbolism.

3. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is an epic story of a man’s search for his missing wife. As he delves deeper into the strange world of dreams, memories and mythical creatures, he discovers more about himself than he could have ever imagined. This novel offers readers a haunting, nearly psychedelic journey and is considered one of Murakami’s best by many.

4. The Wild Sheep Chase: The Wild Sheep Chase is a classic novel about a man’s search for a mythical sheep with magical powers. It’s one of Murakami’s best and most beloved works, combining his trademark surrealism with an entertaining and entertainingly absurd story.

5. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World: Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is a science fiction and fantasy novel which follows two simultaneous stories about a man trapped in a strange town on the border of reality and a mysterious world of his own creation. Many of Murakami’s themes are developed in this story, including those of self-discovery, identity, and reality.

6. South of the Border, West of the Sun: South of the Border, West of the Sun is a beautifully written novel about a man who, as a young boy, suffered a traumatic experience that has shaped his life and outlook. As he reminisces and begins to question the choices he has made, he slowly discovers more about himself and his fateful past.

7. After Dark: After Dark is a dark and compelling novel about two sisters and the strange characters and events that happen when darkness falls. It is a unique take on a nocturnal world and is, in many ways, a meditation on terror and loneliness.

8. Dance Dance Dance: This novel is a sequel to The Wild Sheep Chase and features the same main character but set in Tokyo’s nightlife at the end of the twentieth century. It’s a captivating and fast-paced story full of mystery and surrealism, exploring themes of identity, fate, and rebirth.

9. 1Q84: 1Q84 is an epic and mysterious novel and is widely considered to be Murakami’s magnum opus. It’s a tale of two people who travel back and forth between two parallel realities, and is an exploration of identity and the search for love in a disorienting and surreal world.

10. Hear the Wind Sing
    Hear the Wind: Sing is the first novel written by Haruki Murakami and it helped launch his literary career. It’s a coming-of-age story about two young men in their twenties who go on a road trip together. The novel is a subtle and nostalgic exploration of friendship, alienation, and self-discovery.

Reasons behind the Popularity of Murakami’s Books 

So, why is Haruki Murakami so widely praised and read?

1. His Unique Writing Style: Haruki Murakami is known for his unconventional style of writing. His works are a blend of surreal settings with realistic characters and everyday events, which captures the attention and imagination of his readers. His stories often include fantastical elements and magical elements, which further add to the captivating nature of his narratives.

2. His Theme-based Writing: Many of Murakami’s stories explore a range of themes such as alienation, the search for identity, and the complexities of the human condition. He often draws from cultural references, particularly from Western culture, which helps create a broader appeal for his works. His novels tackle philosophical questions and thought-provoking ideas in a unique and entertaining way.

3. His Unconventional Stories: Haruki Murakami’s stories are unpredictable and often contain elements of mystery. His stories often take the reader on a journey and explore entirely new worlds within the reader’s imagination. His books challenge the reader to reconsider their preconceived notions and often end with no conclusion, an attribute which has been widely praised by readers and critics alike.

Haruki Murakami is one of the world’s most beloved and widely celebrated authors. With his offbeat, often surreal themes and stories, he has captivated readers around the world. This article has explored some of the best works of Haruki Murakami, which have helped make him one of the most acclaimed authors of modern times.