Dreams, Fate, and Talking Cats: Unpacking Kafka on the Shore
- Lucid Paradox Team
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to talk to cats – and whether they are as pretentious as they look? In the highly acclaimed book Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, you will finally get your answer. (Spoiler: they are, but deep down you already knew that.) But that’s not all the book offers. It’s a two-part story of two main characters who never meet each other, yet are somehow connected on a bizarre journey, navigating the chaos. It’s a coming-of-age story, it’s a tragedy in the wake of triumph, and somehow it all makes sense and blends together like it’s another Tuesday.
In addition, the book explores and captures some of the deepest philosophical and literary themes, including surrealism, reality, and existentialism. It’s important to mention there’s a weird Oedipus complex, you know the one inspired by Greek mythology, but the book handles it as delicately as it could, but there’s no skirting around that concept; it’s disturbing and is going to leave you in shock and awe, but if you are looking for a book that is beautifully written, richly layered, and will no doubt challenge your literary soul on a philosophical level then this book is for you, but if you are still on the fence, keep reading.
Disclaimer
Book Facts
- Date Published: 2002, English edition 2005
- Publisher: Vintage
- Page Count: 480
- Author: Haruki Murakami
Related: Read the Best Japanese Novels
The Plot
Without giving anything away, Kafka on the Shore is an intricate piece of work set in Japan, which immerses the reader into its rich culture and way of life. However, it doesn’t stop there, it also explores the lives of several fallible characters, who, without remorse, invite the reader to witness their quirks, flaws, contradictions, and even their justifications. These ingredients blend the characters’ dialogue into full-fledged philosophical muses that will engage the reader in an awe-inspiring manner.
In addition to the novel’s rich character development, the story involves two separate but equally important main characters in their respective story, Kafka and Nakata. The two characters never directly meet, and readers won’t grasp their correlation or how they interact much later in the story, which was purposeful and executed very well. However, each story has its own story arc, mission, and lessons to be learned.
Kafka’s story is more closely aligned with the classic tale of a coming-of-age narrative, as he desperately seeks his place in the world. Nakata, on the other hand, is a tragic tale of loss of innocence after a mysterious incident that changes his trajectory in life. While the two characters never directly meet, they both navigate their quests and conclude in a bizarre, philosophically rich fashion that eventually intertwines satisfactorily in the end.
The Themes
As stated above, the novel explores philosophical ideas, one of those being surrealism. Throughout the novel, the characters are continually challenged by the psychological and metaphysical realities of their environment through hallucinations, dreams, and alternate worlds. The other philosophical idea it engages is existentialism, where each character undertakes the arduous task of trying to find their place and purpose in life.
While the book covers complex philosophical topics, it is surprisingly easy to follow and enjoy. However, it’s also important to note that the novel contains taboo themes that some readers may find difficult to handle. The two most obvious themes that a reader might have issues with are the author’s interpretation of the Oedipus complex and the portrayal of cats being harmed. Both themes can be disturbing to the average reader.
Moving on to lighter subjects, the book includes numerous unique pop culture references, primarily drawn from literature and music. These bits and pieces of information are great additions to the novel, as they not only allow the reader to find some common ground with the main characters but also explore new genres in music and literature that they encounter while reading.
What Makes This Book Worth Reading
Kafka on the Shore is a beautifully written book. It’s heavy with great, engaging dialogue, pop culture references, and symbolism that will keep the reader entertained. Despite its complex philosophical themes, it remains easy to understand and follow. However, the book does have some disturbing themes, and anyone sensitive to the Oedipus complex or the description of animals being harmed may find it a difficult read. However, for veteran readers who are familiar with literature, they will likely enjoy this book and many others by Haruki Murakami.