10 Common Themes Of Murakami Novels - And What They Mean

10. Murakami And Music

One thing that becomes abundantly clear whenever you open the pages of anything Murakami has written is that the man is deeply passionate about music. Even the title of his most well-known book is named after a Beatles song, Norwegian Wood.

Likewise, his books have referenced countless other artists such as Prince, Led Zeppelin, and The Beach Boys. However, you're more likely read about classical and jazz, with many of his characters taking time to listen to old records.

One of the reasons why music is so predominant is simply because Murakami adores it. Before he was an author, he owned a Tokyo jazz club named Peter Cat with his wife.

Aside from his own passionate affection for music, Murakami's discussions of the art are used as a device to explore his characters and themes as well as make poignant observations on human nature. In Kafka On The Shore, for example, runaway protagonist Kafka and new-found friend Oshima have an in-depth discussion about Schubert's Piano Sonata In D Major, a dialogue used as a means to discuss the beauty in imperfection.

Reading Murakami's work is a sure way for readers to gain a deeper appreciation for music.