Book Reviews

“1Q84” Reviewed by David Angeles

Haruki Murakami’s novel 1Q84 describes the intertwining paths of Tengo, a high school math teacher, and Aomame, an assassin, in a surrealistic 1984 as they uncover the plot that has put two moons in the sky.

The novel begins and mostly remains in the urban environment of Japan’s cityscape as Aomame finds herself stuck in traffic on her way to assassinate a man. Simultaneously, aspiring author Tengo finds himself in a delicate predicament with his editor who requests that Tengo partake in a scheme to rewrite a competition entry. The history between the two unfolds as their circumstances guide them toward each other while solving the mystery: who are the "Little People?"

Vivid, organized, and seamless are words that describe the workmanship of Murakami in 1Q84. I was lured to the novel by the author’s international reputation and curiosity for Japanese literature. I enjoyed the book, which is actually three books in one, for its surrealistic content--never overbearing or forgotten. This novel’s target audience is mature adults as it contains explicit personal thoughts and graphic scenes throughout. Three of four stars.

David is a graduating senior in the Gifted program at Hahnville High. He enjoys reading, playing the flute, and learning languages.

Book reviews are published weekly in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.