Haruki Murakami Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

I have been a fan of Haruki Murakami since reading his breakthrough novel 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle'. This collection of short stories, 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' does not disappoint.

All of the classic Murakami hallmarks are there and in good balance - some stories are wonderfully surreal, with intangible concepts bandied round in casual, easy language as if they are the most common occurrences. (An example is the 'Poor Aunt' which materialises itself on a protagonist's back after he tries to produce a piece of writing on the subject...)

Others are far less surreal and a lot more thoughtful, concentrating on exploring characters or philosophical musings. As always with Murakami, there is plenty of humour mixed in with the poignancy. Every story also seems to draw you in; Murakami often refuses to explain exactly what's going on to increase narrative tension, leaving the reader's imagination turning circles.

All in all Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is another fine example of works from what must be one of the most brilliantly creative modern writers. Highly recommended.