Hi all,
After finishing Murakami's A Wild Sheep Chase, as well as five of his short stories, I finally feel semi-qualified enough to pick a favorite. I know perhaps comparing a short story to a novel is like apples to oranges, so I hope not to offend anyone with my choice. Of the Murakami I've read so far, I have enjoyed "The Last Lawn of the Afternoon" the most.
To explain my choice of favorite from among the six Murakami texts we've read in class so far, I call upon this version of Boku's relatability. I feel as if the 19 year old university student who simply wants to do his best is among the most relatable versions of the loveably aloof protagonist I've encountered in Murakami so far. Murakami's other versions of Boku I've encountered thus far have all retained an air of cynicism, but it feels as if this version does not have the same overtly negative outlook on life (yet?). Perhaps it is the heartbreak he experiences during this short story that will lead to the development of his cynicism further to match that of the other Boku's of Murakami's works, however I believe him to be a special case.
I think that this version of Boku is the most similar to Murakami as a person. It is a bold claim, especially given the fact that Murakami has stated he wishes to remain separate from his protagonists, however I feel as if this Boku's belief towards producing good work he can be proud of is something that Murakami aligns with very much himself.
- Sam Soares
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