I liked Murakami so much in the beginning, and not so much now. His book 1Q84 changed that for me, as he includes a not so hidden parody of Kenzaburo Oe, who he is competitive with and a bit jealous of (Oe won a Nobel). Most Westerners aren't aware of that; his books sold really well when I worked at (briefly) Cody's SF. Mishima I read as a teenager, so he will always have that enhanced respect.
I feel the same. My favorite Japanese writers and in no special order are Dazai, Mishima, Kawabata, and Edgowa Rampo. There are more of course! That's just the top of my Covid-head at the moment. But yes, I'm devoted to the 20th Century world of Japanese writing. Murakami in a way reminds me of Paul Auster. I love his early novels, but after awhile it becomes the same thing. Stuck in a rut, and Murakami strikes me as that type of writer as well.
I so agree, Tosh. Love the New York Trilogy, but then later seems on auto-pilot. This happens to many artists, writers, and actors . . . and perhaps our culture sustains creative branding, or perhaps it's fear. I don't know, it's very complicated when you think about it that way but way easier to follow the instincts of being true to yourself and disregarding others' expectations. Just musing!
It's "kind" of interesting when an artist goes on auto-pilot. It happens a lot, especially one who has a long career. At times I feel that Auster is making fun of himself in regards of not coming up with something new. Being an artist is no joke! One has to keep pushing themselves, and must stay out of the comfort zone that they place themselves in.
Thanks Tosh. I love Murakami’s novels. His writing style is one of great ease and the stories unfold in rather amazing ways but seem very natural to the ear.
He has family and a life style to support, but I am not sure he sees the problem. If he is looking for sales as being a form of recognition, he may have chosen the more proven fiduciary path. It does happen a lot, and being poor or on the cutting edge has other social consequences. Then again, there are artists that do it, and they must have a trust towards themselves, or an inability to do otherwise. This isn't a very philosophical time in regard to intention.
Haaaaa....well there would be two courses for dinner: Thomas Pynchon and Roberto Bolano....and we can't forget dessert, which also has two courses: Bruno Schultz and Robert Walser. But, what beverage to serve, now there's a question...
I liked Murakami so much in the beginning, and not so much now. His book 1Q84 changed that for me, as he includes a not so hidden parody of Kenzaburo Oe, who he is competitive with and a bit jealous of (Oe won a Nobel). Most Westerners aren't aware of that; his books sold really well when I worked at (briefly) Cody's SF. Mishima I read as a teenager, so he will always have that enhanced respect.
I feel the same. My favorite Japanese writers and in no special order are Dazai, Mishima, Kawabata, and Edgowa Rampo. There are more of course! That's just the top of my Covid-head at the moment. But yes, I'm devoted to the 20th Century world of Japanese writing. Murakami in a way reminds me of Paul Auster. I love his early novels, but after awhile it becomes the same thing. Stuck in a rut, and Murakami strikes me as that type of writer as well.
I so agree, Tosh. Love the New York Trilogy, but then later seems on auto-pilot. This happens to many artists, writers, and actors . . . and perhaps our culture sustains creative branding, or perhaps it's fear. I don't know, it's very complicated when you think about it that way but way easier to follow the instincts of being true to yourself and disregarding others' expectations. Just musing!
It's "kind" of interesting when an artist goes on auto-pilot. It happens a lot, especially one who has a long career. At times I feel that Auster is making fun of himself in regards of not coming up with something new. Being an artist is no joke! One has to keep pushing themselves, and must stay out of the comfort zone that they place themselves in.
Great insights, especially the recommendation to consume Queneau for breakfast, and O'Hara for lunch.
But what for dinner?
Thanks Tosh. I love Murakami’s novels. His writing style is one of great ease and the stories unfold in rather amazing ways but seem very natural to the ear.
He has family and a life style to support, but I am not sure he sees the problem. If he is looking for sales as being a form of recognition, he may have chosen the more proven fiduciary path. It does happen a lot, and being poor or on the cutting edge has other social consequences. Then again, there are artists that do it, and they must have a trust towards themselves, or an inability to do otherwise. This isn't a very philosophical time in regard to intention.
Haaaaa....well there would be two courses for dinner: Thomas Pynchon and Roberto Bolano....and we can't forget dessert, which also has two courses: Bruno Schultz and Robert Walser. But, what beverage to serve, now there's a question...