Murakami – South of the Border, West...Comment.

 

Attempting to describe Murakami’s novels in a few words is near impossible. The term “interdimensional-fantastic” comes to mind. Perhaps “magic amid the mundane” is a better turn of phrase. However, one can certainly state that all his novels take the reader into other realities, other worlds, persuading the reader that these worlds might truly exist. 

In South of the Border... Hajime recalls his life from childhood to middle age and reflects on his behavior and more so, three significant relationships. As an only child, he believes this was a hindrance to his social status in his early years.  As a young adult he meets Shimamoto, a beautiful girl who also is an only child. Their bond is special, and although they kiss and fondle, their relationship is never consummated. Their common connection is music, where they spend hours together listening to her father’s record collection.  

Around the same time, he meets and has a relationship with another young lady, Izumi Ohara. While in this relationship, Hajime has sexual affairs with other women. He tells Izumi about his infidelities which deeply hurts her, they disconnect, and Hajime moves away. Later in life, this relationship comes back to emotionally haunt him.  

After graduating University, Hajime is hired by a publishing firm, editing academic textbooks. This job lasts several years and is quite monotonous. In his 30’s Hajime meets Yukiko and marries her where they have two lovely daughters. Yukiko’s father is a wealthy developer and helps Hajime invest in a jazz bar that turns out to be successful.  

One evening, Hajime walks out of his bar and believes he sees Shimamoto. Rather than calling out and confronting her face to face, he decides to follow her like a common stalker. He follows her for quite some time when abruptly, a well-dressed man grabs his arm forcefully and walks Hajime into a coffee shop. He tells Hajime never to follow the woman again and hands him an envelope. The man tells him that their meeting “never happened.” Inside the envelope is a considerable amount of money. Hajime throws the money into the draw of his desk and never spends it. From time to time, he retrieves the envelope from his draw to remind himself that this strange incident really occurred.  

Time passes, and unexpectedly, Shimamoto appears in Hajime’s bar. She is elegantly dressed and incredibly beautiful. They strike up a conversation and she ask that Hajime never enquire about her current circumstances nor her immediate past.  

Both fall in love with each other all over again. It is here the mystery ensues.  

This novel is a love story that touches on the poetic and the spiritual.  

A worthwhile and entertaining read.