Norwegian Wood - by Murukami

 I had read an earlier book by the Japanese write Haruki Murukami "Kafka on the shore". Its magic realism was too much for me. Fish raining from the sky? What am I? 3 year old? 

I am not a fan of fantasy literature. Harry Potter being only exception.

So I was slightly skeptical about reading this book Norwegian wood by the author . But thankfully so far fish are not raining and no "magical" event has happened. 

It's the story of man remembering Naoko  - his friend and his college days. OK, this concept is familiar and we do understand this. That is why we accept it.

Watanabe and Naoko are both grieving the death of their childhood friend Kizuki. Naoko was kizuki’s girlfriend. Both are finding it really hard. They both leave behind their home town and go to Tokyo for college. Where they meet regularly and walk. Aimlessly. They do talk a lot, Naoko talks a lot. But they avoid all mentions of Kizuki.

Then on her 20th birthday, Watanabe goes to her apartment with cake. He wants to celebrate her birthday. But she is devastated and she sobs non-stop. 

May not be the excellent writing style like Ishigaro. But this book is good.