5 Top Murakami Books To Read For Beginners: From Realistic To Surreal Picks To Not Miss!

Undoubtedly one of the best books that every beginner must read, Norwegian Wood is a classic by Haruki Murakami. This realistic and emotional novel steers away from magical realism. Blending the themes of love, grief, mental health, and growing up, it is highly relatable to the young readers. The book focuses on romance, introspection, and coming of age, engulfing the first-time readers into the world of Murakami without a doubt. The language is quite simple and easy to understand, and is a great joy for those who can read between the lines. 

Plot synopsis: The book follows Toru Watanabe (protagonist), a quiet college student who is stirred hard after the death of his best friend. Torn between Naoko, his best friend’s girlfriend, and Midori, a lively and outspoken girl he admires, Toru navigates through grief and emotional maturity. 

Looking to enter the magical realism of Murakami? Upgrade with Kafka on the Shore. Despite being a magical world, it is quite easy to understand and read for beginners as well. It offers two parallel storylines, keeping the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat for sure. It deals with the themes of fate, identity, memory, and free will. People who enjoy reading symbolism, mystery, and dreamlike storytelling. 

Plot Synopsis: Following the parallel themes of Kafka Tamura and Nakata, the book focuses on a runaway kid and an elderly man with the power to talk to the cats. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, the split takes you through the doors of mysterious libraries, metaphysical worlds, talking animals, and symbolic violence. 

Have you already delved into the Murakami novels but still not far enough? Take a big leap and get your hands on the 1Q84 trilogy. One of the most ambitious and imaginative reads by Murakami, it builds a completely realized alternate reality with deep emotional themes to not miss at all. If you are a reader who likes long, immersive stories and slow-burn narratives, this trilogy is totally worth your attention. 

Plot Synopsis: The book opens up with the alternate world of Tokyo, following the protagonist, Aomame, who has slipped into the parallel world 1Q84. The book underlines the journey of the protagonist as well as Tengo, a writer who faces life altercations after rewriting a strange novel. As the plot gradually moves forward, it converges with the plot of both, underlining the concepts of cults, memory, destiny, and the world of two moons. 

Considered as one of the masterpieces written by Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle underlines the deep concepts of psychology and surrealism that take you out on a ride. It is a perfect glimpse of Murakami’s darker and more complex storytelling, guiding the reader personally with a hand on the small of their back. If you feel ready to explore deeper themes and layered symbolism. 

Plot Synopsis: Following the protagonist, Toru Okada, an unemployed man, the book follows his search for his missing cat and then his wife. What starts as a simple lookout transcends further into the deep mystery set to be uncovered. The psychological journey of the books takes the reader through abandoned wells, war memories, and mysterious women, keeping you on the edge of your seat. 

Looking for the exceptional read that is as short as your metro ride? Get your hands on After Dark by Haruki Murakami. It comes with a short and fast-paced plot that is set over one single night in Tokyo. It captures Murakami’s urban, cinematic style without being confused as well. It is perfect for a quick but deep read to keep you hooked for sure. 

Plot Synopsis: The plot follows the protagonist Mari, spending a night in Tokyo hopping through cafes and streets, while Eri lies in a mysterious deep sleep. As the plot unfolds, the reader meets multiple musicians, hotel workers, and strangers, adding to the concepts of loneliness, alienation, and urban solitude that often hide behind bright city lights.