A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami

Becky blogged on two books by Murakami and I tried finding them at the library and local book store, to no avail. However, there were a number of others available and I tried this one. From reading Becky's blogs, this book, and the synopsis of other books, Murakami has a consistent style. I liked it but it may not be for everyone.

The story involves a late twenty-something man who's drifting through life and gets drawn into a mystery involving a sheep with mystical powers. There is a web of intrigue surrounding the sheep as well as time shifts along the way to add a back story to the main event. The fact that the author treats the idea of a sheep with powers in a serious manner gives you a sense of his underlying dry humor. Occasionally, there's almost a science fiction feel to some of the story. Some of the dialogue sounds like those you'd have in college late at night discussing stuff that might be alcohol-fueled and would be tedious if it weren't so much fun at the time. Now that the story has ended, I'm thinking of it a little to try filling in the blanks but I think the destination is not as important as the journey.

Amanda might like him, so try either this book or the Wind Up Bird Chronicles. I'll ask Becky to bring her copy of WUBC when she's here later in the year. I'd like to read more of Murakami but need some different authors in between.