Hear the Wind Sing: A Delicate Portrayal of the Light and Shadow of Youth, the Origin of Haruki Murakami’s Literary World
Published in 1979, “Hear the Wind Sing” is Haruki Murakami’s debut novel and a monumental work that established his literary world.
The story is set in the summer of 1970 in a seaside town in Japan. The narrator, “I,” returns to his hometown during his summer break from university and spends his days there.
The charm of this novel lies in the light and shadow of youth depicted with fresh sensitivity.
“I” spends almost every night at a bar with his university friend, “The Rat,” talking and drinking beer. They discuss the meaning of life, death, loneliness, and love, sometimes cynically, sometimes humorously.
“I” also experiences the absurdity and transience of life through encounters with “J,” the mysterious bartender at J’s Bar, and a girl with a missing little finger on her left hand.
Furthermore, “I’s” past casts a shadow, with unforgettable memories of high school classmates and three girls he met at university.
Through these various encounters and farewells, the delicate portrayal of “I” facing himself and growing is depicted.
Haruki Murakami’s unique writing style is noteworthy. The rhythmic sentences composed of short phrases create a comfortable feeling, like listening to jazz music. The sophisticated and urban descriptions, heavily influenced by American novels and films, are also characteristic.
“Hear the Wind Sing” is a masterpiece of youth literature and the origin of Haruki Murakami’s literary world.
Background Knowledge for Reading
- Time Setting: The story is set in the summer of 1970. In Japan, the student movement had ended, and in the shadow of the high economic growth, young people were tormented by feelings of loss and stagnation.
- Setting: The seaside town where the novel takes place is not specifically named, but it is said to be inspired by Murakami’s hometown of Kobe.
- Characters: “I” and “The Rat” are both young people of the same generation as Haruki Murakami. Their conversations realistically reflect the feelings of young people at the time.
- Music: Various types of music, such as jazz and rock, appear in the work. Haruki Murakami is known as a big music lover, and music often appears as an important motif in his works.
- Literature: Haruki Murakami is strongly influenced by American writers, especially Fitzgerald and Carver. Their works are also quoted in the novel.
- Film: Haruki Murakami is also a film enthusiast, and the work includes quotes and homages from films.
By reading “Hear the Wind Sing,” you can open the door to Haruki Murakami’s literary world.
- The fluctuating emotions of young people, feelings of loss and loneliness
- Mysterious events lurking in everyday life
- The intersection of past and present
- Influences from music, literature, and film
The delicate and beautiful story woven by these elements will surely move your heart.
Furthermore, “Hear the Wind Sing” has a sequel, “Pinball, 1973.”
By reading this work, which depicts the aftermath of the youth portrayed in “Hear the Wind Sing,” you can relive the lives of “I” and “The Rat” and immerse yourself more deeply in the world of Haruki Murakami.
Please read “Hear the Wind Sing” and embark on a journey into Haruki Murakami’s literary world.