Modern Fiction Books > B Modern Fiction Books > Haruki Murakami

Advantages: Extremely vivid surreal world.
Disadvantages: Sometimes a bit slow and attention sapping.

'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' is a collection of short stories written by Haruki Murakami; well known Japanese author with works such as 'Kafka on the Shore', Norwegian Wood' and 'After Dark'. Firstly a bit about the author; Haruki Murakami was born on the 12th January, 1949 in Kyoto. He became a national celebrity after the publication of his novel 'Norwegian Wood' in 1987. Since then he has famously alternated between writing short stories and ...
...such as F.Scott Fitzgerald and John Irving. He also won the Yomiuri Literary prize, whose previous recipients include Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburo Oe. Now for the book; 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' was published in English in 2006 available as an audio book or in print and contains 24 stories, including all five of Tōkyō Kitanshū (Mysteries of Tokyo) an earlier collection published in 2005. The stories in 'Blind Willow, Sleeping ... Read review

Advantages: Connection to Andrea and her life.
Disadvantages: Stereotypical of the fashion industry? Annoying at times.

...a perfect pool side read. The delightful (and not so delightful!) characters laid the ground work for a hooking storyline and an intense insight into the fashion industry. It was heartwarming, heartbreaking and throughout the book you can make a real connection with the main character Andrea Sachs, who you can soon find yourself relating to due to her down to earth personality in such a far fetched world. We feel sorry for Andrea, and feel hatred ... Read review

Advantages: Great book a book you can't put down
Disadvantages: not that action packed

...into more detail I'll end up telling you most of the main plots, so if I was you get down to the local books shop and buy the first book MISSING: WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, then when you've finished reading it you should read this one!!! GO AND DO THAT NOW!!!!!! ... Read review

Advantages: Amusing story and conversations, easy to understand
Disadvantages: lacks depth

...simple: imagine if the Greek Gods were still living, or existing, in a decrepit house in Islington. They are the same squabbling, bickering, incestuous family that myths were made of, but their powers are waning and they are entirely disregarded by the mortals that they consider so unimportant. Their powers and responsibilities remain true to history, but Phillips has given them appropriate, modern jobs; gorgeous Aphrodite is a phone sex worker while ...
...acutely conveys the boredom the gods are enduring by showing the mundane nature of even supposedly exciting moments and suggesting that one character's revenge on another might be 'swift and no doubt deadly, but at least it would pass the time.' The introduction of the human characters seems dull in comparison; this may be intentional, to suggest that their humdrum lives need livening up. Indeed, although they like each other, they seem barely able ... Read review

Advantages: Well written, easy to read, good characters
Disadvantages: A bit of a shaky start

Vintage is one of those books which is exactly what you expect. It has a glossy, expensive looking cover, with a model clutching a bottle of champagne, its title and author splashed across the middle of the cover in bold, gold lettering. It looks to be a glamorous, sexy read, and it does indeed deliver on its promises - and a little extra something added in there too. Vintage follows three women who enter the man's world of wine-making, well champagne ...
...Madeleine wants to produce a vintage wine of her own, and is determined to prove her critics, who don't believe a woman can create a great wine, wrong and to rise to the top of her game. Kelly Elson, a chambermaid in a hotel is also left a vineyard in a will, but unlike Madeleine, she doesn't want anything to do with it. Under the guidance of trustee Hilarian and and vineyard keeper Guy, she decides maybe there is something to be done in the wine ... Read review