It really, really changes the meaning of the US version of the story if the decision to turn toward Kumiko comes from a reaction to the guitarist beating story, rather than from a slow burn realization that flows from the choice not to follow CK to Crete? It changes who is helping who. I dislike!
The hit conclusion to the latest Yomu Yomu smash story ;_;
I love the uncle's sick business hacks (from bonus ch 17 🐾)
Also the opposition between what it means to be a wind up bird--keeping the world going, but ultimately artificial--versus someone with a plan to impose rule on the world and who's fundamentally (in Toru's eyes) false. I don't know yet; a wind up bird is just hard to imagine being!
Bonus chapter takes: I am WROTH with the editors of yesteryear who did not let Jay Rubin translate Toru's pool hallucinations! The uncle 's weird business tricks! The farewell to ex-Creta Kano + nameless postcard! The easy-listenin freak's triumphant return! All lost, lost, like tears in rain >:( 🐾
+ They're both pawns of Malta Kano.
+ They both go to the bottom of the well to "think".
+ They both reject their names.
+ They both undergo a state of passive numbness they're shocked out of by a violation (in both cases sexual).
Something about their fantasy of escape to Crete makes me so sad.
I'm also thinking about the idea that Toru and NW are "opposites", especially thinking of Creta and Toru as aligned somehow. I feel like "good" to Murakami relates to diligence, which they both are (as is the cleaner guy!)I'm trying to think how that opposes NW and how passivity as vice fits.
I'm fascinated by Creta and Toru as foils, especially after reading the bonus chapter today: more in the reply? 🐾
The application period for the 2027 FSG Writer’s Fellowship is now open! The application period begins on June 3, 2026, and closes on July 6, 2026. More information about the fellowship can be found at fsgfellowship.com.
