Here are 4 Elements That Constitute The Premise Of Haruki Murakami's Novels

I am a big fan of Haruki Murakami's novels.

The raw emotions of the characters, the weird characters in themselves, become a major driving factor in his novels. It keeps you hooked on the story.

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As a reader, I am invested in the world that is created by Haruki Murakami.

Haruki Murakami's world in his books is immediately recognizable.

It is similar to watching a Wes Anderson movie, you know it is a Wes Anderson movie or a Tarantino masterpiece. Dan Brown has a penchant for confusing plot lines.

Here I was pondering picking up another Haruki Murakami novel and it got me thinking, will it have similar elements?

Let's have a look at these 4 elements you can't miss in his novels:

• Old Jazz Records and other Classics:

One of my favourite Murakami books is '1Q84' and its narrative is nicely woven around Leoš Janáček's 'Sinfonietta'. Norwegian Wood is a classic name in itself based on the classic band you might have heard called 'The Beatles'. There's Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, Mozart, Schubert etc.

Music really holds a Haruki Murakami book together.

• Talking Cats

If you read enough books by Murakami, you will tend to anticipate a cat wandering around its main character. It will either accompany the main character in its low point or drive the storyline into a weird twist.

One might wonder about the significance of cats for the author.

• Tokyo

I absolutely adore it when an author understands a city so well to include it in its books. It takes a special understanding of a place and indeed a special connection to a city to include it as a part of the narrative of a book.

• Supernatural Powers

This one is a bit of an annoyance but also a major thrill to read in a book. The author seldomly explains the real reason for its occurrence but really imbibes it in the story well.

Be it Nakata's weird abilities, Fuka-Eri's fiction, Aomame's interaction with a cult leader or Air Chrysalis, Haruki Murakami never ceases to amaze with his imagination.

The captivating imagination that Haruki Murakami possess is evident in his books. But so are the recurring themes and elements. It is a way that gives his books his unique signature.

Are there any other authors with similar recurring prominent themes in their books?

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