Works of Haruki Murakami -- The Merry-Go-Round of the Gods

Author: (Japanese) Murakami Haruki, translated by Lin Shaohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: This is a collection of nine short stories, most of which have not been published in mainland China before. Two of them are included in "The Disappearance of the Elephant" by Li River Publishing House. The book is based on real-life stories that the author personally encountered, with themes that explore the fatigue, lack of choice, and psychological distortion of urban life. The content includes stories about a couple divorcing over a minor issue, the hesitation of someone in the middle of life, the budding love in the heart of a proud young lady, the youthful impulses of a teenager, the inner struggle of a disabled person, and humorous tales. Each story is different, but they all share a humorous and interesting style, strong philosophical depth, and compelling storytelling. It reflects the author's consistent writing style and is also one of his early works. "The Spinning Carousel," Murakami Haruki's definition of life—fierce battles that seem like a life-or-death struggle, but looking back, you've just come full circle. Isn't that right? She travels far from abroad to buy her husband a pair of well-fitting shorts and T-shirt, but upon her return, she decides to divorce; she painstakingly finds a painting that catches her eye, but before leaving, she sets it on fire with kerosene; the beautiful and proud princess is so intimidating that no one dares to look up at her, yet in the early hours of a snowy night, she "unintentionally" slips into "my" blanket; she falls in love with a woman and moves to spy on her for three whole months through a telescope, but when they reunite, she barely recognizes her after a few words. But Murakami Haruki says: "This isn't a novel—it's his personal experiences."