This book was published in 1987 and exploded into mainstream Japan and made Murakami a household name. Suddenly, everyone in Japan had read this book.
It speaks of a boy who is going through a time where everything hits hard, the confusions of emotions, when best friends choose suicide, the burdens of the people left behind, those who choose death rather than life, and those who are caught in the wake of the psychic storm that tears right through.
It speaks of a boy who is finding his place in his own life, the characters which shape his consciousness, how they influence his choices and his outlook.
It speaks of trying to be the strength in others' lives, living your life for others, and the price paid.
It speaks of finding strength, finding the way home, finding solace, in the most mundane and unusual places.
It speaks of the power of love.
Almost in the same vein of Socrates in Love, it is a good read when you build up the momentum and you start to feel for the characters in the book.
Highly Recommended. 4 1/2 out of 5.