After Dark ~Haruki Murakami
–2007
–244 pages, Vintage Books
–4.75/5 stars
I cherish these moments…
The page turns, the words run out, the story ends.
I lay aside the book that I have spent the last several hours with and feel that sensation…that light, almost tingling sensation, the slightly more rapid heartbeat, and the warm glow that comes when you’ve just read the right book at the right time.
“Palpable and enthralling…bound to linger in the mind.”, says The Plain Dealer.
Yes, it is…
(forgive the dark image, I like the way the silver dots reflect various colors of light)
A little more than 24 hours ago I brought home Haruki Murakami’s 2007 novel, After Dark. Earlier that day Amazon had teased me with–“Taking place over seven hours of a Tokyo night, it inter-cuts three loosely related stories, linked by Murakami’s signature magical-realist absurd coincidences”. The back cover of this gorgeous book promised “a gripping novel of encounters set in Tokyo during the hours between midnight and dawn”. And for some reason, and I admit this might be a stretch (Cameron?), this premise called to mind Wong Kar-Wai’s film Chungking Express. That alone was reason for me to give in to the temptation to pick up this book. Couple that with the fact that out of all the great covers on Murakami novels this was the one I was initially drawn to most when I scanned his books earlier this year, and it is no surprise that this is where I went to for my first Murakami novel.
I was full of all sorts of romantic notions. The first being that I would wait until Autumn to read my first Murakami novel (see comments in After the Quake). Then I got the romantic notion that I would only read After Dark…well…after dark! But of course you know what happened. I opened the book, that is what happened! And all quaint ideas were cast out the window as I became engaged in the lives of the night people.
I used the word ‘voyeur’ in my After the Quake review and there is no more apt word to describe After Dark than ‘voyeuristic’. The reader is drawn into the lives of a handful of people, mostly 19 year old Mari Asai, and is given a camera’s eye view of their interactions over the course of the next 7 hours.
After Dark excited me in so many ways, not the least of which is the way that Murakami, as narrator, plays director and sets the scene for each location change in the novel. He literally describes the settings as film shots would be described. For anyone enamored of film this is a special treat…you can literally see the scene as it is being set up. You can almost feel the same physical sensations that you would were you watching the camera movement in a film. It is fantastic. This not only places the reader in the exact place to witness the events as they unfold but the ‘point of view’ narration is also used to enhance the sense of eerieness and isolation which comes with the darkness.
Another thing that excited me about the book was Murakami’s use of predominately Western references, be it through the use of music, pop culture, etc. Whether right or wrong, when I experience the inclusion of specific music, art, etc in literature I assume these are things the author likes and it gives the story an added dimension that I enjoy. One of the things I loved about Juno, Chungking Express, The Time Traveler’s Wife were these kind of references. Some would, and have, called this sort of writing ‘pretentious’. I say critics who feel this way have their head stuck too far up their own….anyway… To each his own. What I can say with a great deal of conviction is that, when done well, it really does add to the story. After Dark feels like a love story to great music and the kind of establishments that cater to those who are not home safely sleeping in their beds.
The thing that drew me in most, however, was what this story was about. Again it was a series of vignettes that allowed the reader to get to know a few characters over the course of a handful of hours, which is exactly what the characters were doing with each other. It was a captivating idea that in this case worked very, very well. The story is told with the tenderness of an interested, caring observer.
I genuinely like these people…the likeable characters, that is…and I cared about them. Can you recall a time, or times, in your life when you spent a few magical hours with someone and it developed into something more? That is what this felt like. Reading After Dark was like a happenstance meeting of a new friend or the renewal of a long-forgotten acquaintance…you leave knowing that something has happened, a switch has been thrown, a connection has been made that is going to make a difference in your life.
Lastly, I love the night. I am a late night person. When the sun goes down and the lights go off and the family is in bed, that is my time. At my age I certainly need to temper the desire to stay up late with the reality of needing to be healthy and alert on the job, but it hasn’t changed the fact that I enjoy darkness and night time. I like going for walks in the dark. I enjoy walking down the main street in our little town and seeing the shops all closed up, lights mostly off. There is something very peaceful and yet energizing about it. And of course if you have ever been in a big city after dark you know that there is an energy to that experience that is hard to describe. There is also a loneliness and melancholy present in the quiet of the night. And a sense of wonder and awe if you step outside and look up at the stars, at the moon. All that is here. All that is wrapped up nicely in a mere 244 pages.
From what little I have read about Haruki Murakami and from whatever knowledge that can be gained from reading a dozen or so short stories, it appears that he has a reputation for not necessarily finishing his stories. Or at least not doing so in a conventional way. Thus my expectations were that I would potentially be frustrated with an unresolved story. Not so…at least not for me. There are a few of the story lines that do not get resolved in a traditional manner, but even with those I felt like the end could be easily inferred. I am certainly interested in hearing a differing opinion on this, however I was really very satisfied with the way this book ended. Unlike books like the Paul Auster books I read and reviewed or The Brief History of the Dead I honestly don’t have even the slightest qualms recommending this book. I really feel like it is that accessible.
In closing I can only say that After Dark did for me exactly what I hope every book I pick up does–it captured my attention, did not allow me to put it down, and left me with the feeling of acquiring new friends. I have no basis of comparison, but my feeling is that if short stories are not your thing and yet you would like to experience the work of Haruki Murakami, After Dark might just be a great place to start.
Wanna hear something really weird? I came home today from work and had a package waiting for me and it was a copy of this book! I just ordered it a few days ago before you even went on your Murakami kick and then I come here and see that you just finished reading it! Glad to hear that it was a good one and that you’re continuing to enjoy him. He really is a fantastic author. I like your cover much better than mine by the way. I have the one with the lines on it…don’t know if you’ve seen that one.
I feel exactly the way you do about night; it’s such a special,
personal, quiet time, and the perfect setting for a book. I like how
you brought to light the film qualities in this book which is not
readily apparent to me as film is not as treasured a medium to me as
it is to you. However, when reading this book I did feel that film
aspect; Murakami made it so real it was as if we were there ourselves.
I’ll have to look into the film you compare it to. What a marvelous
review, Carl, and how fun that you, soon Chris, and I have all read it
this week.
It’s really exciting to me that you liked it as much as I did, and
your review is just incredible.
I know it’s a very, very slight point, but why do you think the
character has Love Story all wrong, that the father dies and the
couple lives happily ever after? Do you think it’s to show that he
just doesn’t pay attention to details? Is it a cultural difference?
I’m just wondering why Murakami played with the film in that way as it
was such a powerful film in America…I truly loved the book, much
better than his short stories, and don’t you feel that you actually
spent the night with the characters?
Bellezza: To be honest (and I’m sure you’ll razz me for this) I don’t believe I have seen more than a few scenes of Love Story. If I have, I certainly don’t remember it. What I recall of it was discussing parts of it as examples of something or other in a college classroom. I am very intrigued by what you are saying though and it really makes me wonder what kind of clue that was or what the point was. I wonder if it somehow ties in to his (the character’s) feelings about his own dad and his growing attraction to Mari.
Thanks for the compliments. I was feeling like the review didn’t go very far in capturing the way I felt about the book so I’m glad you got what I was trying to say.
I think you would find Chungking Express interesting, especially if you stick with it. The second storyline in the film is my favorite but I do enjoy the first one as well. It is a film that Quentin Taratino liked so much that he decided to bring it over to the U.S. and distribute it so that it would get a wider audience. And knowing Tarantino’s other films, it is wild to watch this…which is nothing like his films…and realize that he liked it this much.
Chris: That is such a wild coincidence. I love connections like that. I hope you enjoy it every bit as much as Bellezza and I did. I have seen that cover and I do like this one better as well. Sorry. But hey, the interior..the important part…is the same!
The only book I’ve read of Murakami is After the Quake. I’m putting his books on my TBR list.
I saw, and what do you mean you never saw Love Story?!!! Kidding, it
was pivotal to me being the romantic youth that I was. While you were
reading Sci-fi I was crying at ridiculous movies.
By the way, I posted the Japanese Lit Challenge 2 on my blog.
Well, keep in mind that I was between 2 and 3 years old when Love Story came out. 😉
And, I’m in!
Murakami is one of my favorite authors and I particularly liked After Dark. Love your review. I’ve added a link to your review on my post. Please let me know if you’d rather not have a link there and I’ll remove it.
I don’t mind at all, Terri! Thanks for doing it.
I have never read any Murakami, but I just checked and there are several available at Audible.com, including After Dark. I’ll buy it and put it on my iPod tonight. My wife got The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, but it is so long that it scared me off. When it comes to long books I feel like a bachelor that never wants to make that marriage commitment. I’ll let you know what I think of After Dark.
Jim, that is the same way I felt about Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I thought it was too long for my first foray into Murakami’s novels. I am so glad that I started with After Dark because it has made me want to read his other books. You should also check out the post before this one, it has a link to the short story Super-Frog Saves Tokyo by Murakami that you might enjoy.
“…that sensation…that light, almost tingling sensation, the slightly more rapid heartbeat, and the warm glow that comes when you’ve just read the right book at the right time.”
You’ve just captured in a phrase the wonder and magic that can be found in a well written story – what a wonderful way to begin a truly inspired review.
I love what you wrote about the night, I’ve always thought of it as a secret treasure…this is my favorite of your reviews, I’ll pick up After Dark on my way home this afternoon.
Thanks Ken, it is easy to write stuff like that when you are in the throes of literary passion after reading a good book. The night is a secret treasure. I wish I could explore more of them. I look forward to your experience with After Dark.
Yours too Vasilly!
I’m so glad you’ve discovered Murakami. I actually didn’t really like his stuff when I first tried to read it a few years ago, but I persevered, luckily, and I love it now. I’m looking forward to reading After Dark sometime soon. I still think you’d really enjoy Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. It’s not quite as chunky as Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle which are great though. I read Wind-up several years ago but there are still scenes that come to mind sometimes.
Hey Carl,
Good to see you dipping into some Murakami. Have yet to read After Dark, made a rather brave foray into his works by starting with Hardboiled, but have never looked back since. After a while, you stop caring about why he’s taking you somewhere, you just allow yourself to be taken.
oh yay!!!!
i just read your opening bit and i just had to “yay”, ’cause i LOVE LOVE LOVE that feeling. its the best. its a treasure. its a delight.
i felt a similar way with “kafka on the shore”.
how does he do it?! how does he make one like his characters so much!?
I enjoyed this one and reviewed it a while back for Bibliobuffet. I don’t know that I was quite as enthused as you are (it’s a wonderfully readable and lovely book, but I thought he overused some of his standard “stuff”), but it is definitely one I would recommend.
For another great Murakami read, try Norwegian Wood (named for the Beatles song). It’s lovely too!
What a wonderful review! I’ll second Andi’s recommendation of Norwegian Wood in case you are looking for another Murakami book to try. I’m really looking forward to reading After Dark and After the Quake.
Iliana: I’m definitely planning on reading Norwegian Wood in the autumn. I hope you enjoy both of these others and I look forward to your thoughts.
Andi: I obviously haven’t read enough Murakami to recognize ‘his stuff’ so it will be interesting to see if I have similar thoughts for one of his works that I read later down the road. Generally if I like something I tend to like it later on though, so we’ll see. I certainly don’t want to stuff myself full of Murakami right now to the point of being tired of his work, so after this next short story book…which I have laid aside for a few weeks to pick back up for Bellezza’s Japanese Challenge, I’m going to wait until Autumn to read more of his stuff. If I can resist…. 🙂
JP: It is great, isn’t it? I sometimes wish every novel gave me that feeling. But then it probably wouldn’t be special any more, would it?
Machine!!!! Wow, its been a long time! Glad to see you. “After a while, you stop caring about why he’s taking you somewhere, you just allow yourself to be taken.” That is exactly the way that I felt about After Dark. I just loved the ride.
Tanabata: I am really interested in Wind Up Bird Chronicle after talking with Cameron last night. Must resist….. I can certainly see that Murakami is one of those authors that is best to try when the mood strikes. I feel the same way about Paul Auster’s works. Both authors I could have picked up at a different time and maybe have been frustrated with. As it is the timing was right and now I am a fan of both.
All: the only thing that didn’t work as well for me in After Dark was the sister’s tale. I thought it was very creepy and very well written, but I found myself reading faster through each of those sections so I could get back to Mari’s story. I do think it worked in the story, I just wish there had been less of that emphasized and even more time spent with Mari. That is a minor complaint though and is why I gave it such a high rating. Loved it!
Carl, I have bought After Dark and started listening to it. I love it. I mainly listen to novels now-a-days because the beauty of the author’s language comes through my ears better than my eyes. This works extremely well with Murakami. I don’t expect everyone to start listening to books, but I do recommend listening to Murakami because hearing his vivid style makes me picture almost everything he says. But I wonder I wonder how much of his stark style is because of the translation?
Audible.com has several of his books.
Also, I believe After Dark is a good example to use for our discussion of contempoary science fiction versus contemporary literary fiction. Science fiction writers seldom attempt this kind of intimate characterization, or worked with such a close attention to details. This isn’t to criticize genre stories. When we’re young we want far out fast-paced fiction, but as we get older, I think we get more drawn to the details of this world and time. What I’d like to see if more literary SF like Never Let Me Go, Cloud Atlas, or The Time-Traveler’s Wife that appeals to the older SF fan in me.
Jim
I have Kafka on the Shore sitting waiting to be read, and I’m very much looking forward to getting acquainted with Haruki Murakami’s work, even moreso now I have read your reviews!
Hmm, I still haven’t read Murakami yet, but am always drawn to them in bookshops, especially Kafka on the Shore (probably because of the cat!). I will definitely be picking this up. I love getting that involved with characters, and really caring about their lives. Great review, thanks!
I don’t have to tell you, that this was Jenn’s favorite author. I can’t quite get into him.
I love the way you begin your review with a teaser … just as a cover “blurb” might do …. of course i had to follow your Read On and do just that … read on.
I have not read nor heard of this book. Your review is wonderful. As a ‘newbie’ at book reviewing, I am finding it hard to put into words how a book impacts me. I tend to find trouble referencing their themes to themes in my life as I tend to ‘become’ the characters in the novels I read. Thus, I experience their lives apart from my own. Yet, I do walk away with lingering thoughts that I muse upon at odd times. It is much like examining a beautiful object and wondering what exactly about it makes it so beautiful to me.
I, too, am a night owl …. something I will have to give up when school begins again. For now? another joy of summer.
fondly,
lady blue
Blue: I know what you mean, it isn’t always easy to put one’s intellectual and emotional connections to a book or film on paper…or on computer as the case may be. I tend to just kind of ‘go for it’ and edit later if need be. Sometimes the mood just doesn’t strike me though and then it is really hard to do a review.
Cynthia: I can totally understand that. I don’t believe an author like Murakami is everyone’s cup of tea.
Mariel: You’ll have to let me know if you read this and what you think about it.
Quix: I am drawn to read Kafka on the Shore simply because I love the title so much.
Jim: I enjoy audio books when the reader is good. I have listened to several with amazing readers that make me never want to read the book myself, just listen to the story being told over and over again. And then I’ve tried some that I just had to put aside because I just didn’t connect with the reader. I do love that libraries around here have a good selection of audio books as they are fun for long trips.
And I agree about the sci fi. Although I do think some of those kind of novels exist in sci fi: your examples and Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead being good examples, I think more often than not it is the setting and plot of the story that gets more emphasis. Which is fine, it just depends on what one is in the mood for.
I certainly love it when a novel is written so well that it draws me into the character’s lives, and yet I have to admit that I have a tendency to bring a real openness to my reading and so even one-dimensional characters can sometimes really connect with me on a deeper level because of what I am bringing to the reading experience.
You have captured the essence of the story wonderfully Carl – I have just read it and have to admit I struggled to find the right words to describe it. I felt it was more of an experience than a read and I agree it is definitely a book to enjoy “after dark”.