Ryu Murakami // Almost Tranpasparant Blue

Hello!

I'm presently reading Almost Transparant Blue, by Ryu Murakami. It's the first book I read of this author and I find it kind of hard. I think it's kind of interesting that we never know how the narrator feels (he's very factual and it's more of a "transcription" of what he hears and says), but I hope it's going somewhere, because I'm really not a all interested in his pornographic descriptions, which are very graphic.

I'm almost at the middle of the novel: do you think I should continue reading on, or is it just the same for the rest of the book? It's only about 100 pages left, but the descriptions are really troubling me (and I'll know I'll be pissed if there is nothing ore to the book at the end).

Maybe if you have not read this one, but some other books by the author you could tell me what you think, since you're familiar with his style.

I don't know the book and if you really find the material disturbing it's awfully hard to encourage you to forge on. I don't know Murakami as my interests, at least for the present, are antique Japanese fiction.

I'd recommend you read five current views for this book on LibThing. And for that matter the reviews for In the Miso Soup as well as Coin Locker Babies might be helpful in assessing the writer. None seem to find the books exhilarating and many find the prurient and violent aspects gratuitous.

Murakami received a newcomer's prize for this novel, as well as the venerated Akutagawa prize.

But that doesn't mean it's pleasant or satisfying. Make your decision with your heart.

-- Gerry

Yes, I stopped reading the book since that message. Told myself I had soo much things to read that it was just better that I stop with this one right there if I did not feel it soo much...

I had not thought of checking the critics for the author's other books, so thank you for that!

I can vouch for Coin Locker Babies. That is a wacky and wonderful book and its not likely to present the same obstacles.

I have not finnished it either. But I plan to, just to know the end. lol. Yes, you are right, it's quite hard and unusual style for me, but I think the writing skill is not that bad anyway.