Jay Rubin “Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words”

Introduction

“Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words” written by Jay Rubin is a fascinating study of the novels of the internationally renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami. The author of the book, Jay Rubin, is himself a noted scholar and translator of Japanese literature, and his in-depth analysis of Murakami’s writing style gives valuable insights into the techniques and themes that define the author’s work.

Content

Rubin’s book is broken down into several chapters, with each chapter focusing on a primary feature of Murakami’s writing style. For example, Chapter One looks at Murakami’s use of dialogue and the role it plays in the development of his characters. Chapter Two explores the author’s skill in building suspense and creating a sense of unease in his readers. The book contains many examples from Murakami’s novels, providing a comprehensive overview of his writing style.

Rubin also engages with the larger issues that Murakami’s work addresses, such as the nature of memory, the search for identity, and the role of language in communication. One of the book’s most intriguing chapters is its exploration of the concept of the “absent center,” which Rubin convincingly argues is a recurring theme in Murakami’s work.

Conclusion

Overall, “Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words” is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the work of this highly acclaimed author. Rubin’s commentary is insightful and thought-provoking, enriching readers’ understanding of Murakami’s unique literary style. The book is also well-organized and well-written, making it an enjoyable and informative read for those interested in Japanese literature more generally. Highly recommended.