A Review:

Kafka on the Shore is a modern-day epic; however, it ties in Japanese culture instead of using Western culture. Using contemporary elements, Murakami describes the odyssey of a teenage boy and an elderly man through Japan to fulfill their destiny. In the story of love and fate, there are constant references to classic epics and many of the staples of these epics are seen in the book. The cats represent fauns that guide the hero’s, there are songs that prophesies the hero’s destiny, journeys across the country and through nature, and there are many more callbacks to the classical form of writing. Murakami and the characters do not hold back on acknowledging these characteristics and this keeps the reader engaged throughout. Doing this shifts the focus of the story away from what is going to happen to when and how the events are going to take place. It allows the reader to focus on every detail rather than then trying to predict the whole story. Where the quality of the novel really becomes elevated is how he describes the fantasy elements. There is a stellar balance of detail between what is seen in the ordinary world and the surreal aspects of Murakami’s world. This allows the reader to step into the characters’ shoes and experience what is going on while it is happening. On top of this, it emphasizes the outlandish aspects without making the whole book seem too fantastic. For people who listen to a great deal of music and have read a wide range of books, the literary elements and details become more and more absorbing. Murakami flexes his knowledge of the world that leaves the reader feeling more than satiated after finishing the last page. This book is a must-read for people who are fans of fantasy and love.