Title: La muerte del comendador, Libro 1
Author: Haruki Murakami
First published February 24, 2017
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789584271785
Rating: 4.06
Overview
In the midst of a marital crisis, a renowned portraitist leaves Tokyo and heads north in search of solace. Lost in his memories, he wanders through the country until a friend offers him a small isolated house surrounded by forests that belongs to his father, a famous painter.
It’s a place where he can retreat for a while. In that house with empty walls, after hearing strange noises, the protagonist discovers a painting in the attic, wrapped in paper with a label that reads, “The Death of the Commandant.” As he unwraps it, a strange world unfolds before him, where Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, a portrait commission, a shy teenager, and of course, a commandant, sow enigmas into his once mundane and routine life.
This first volume of the novel The Death of the Commandant is a fascinating labyrinth where the ordinary is invaded by indecipherable signals and questions whose answers are still far from being glimpsed. The reader, like the protagonist, must remain very attentive.
About the Author
Meet Murakami Haruki, a beloved contemporary Japanese writer and translator whose work is both accessible and profound. Murakami’s unique style is heavily influenced by Western culture, specifically literature and music.
Growing up, he was drawn to American writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Richard Brautigan, setting him apart from other Japanese writers.
Murakami attended Waseda University in Tokyo, where he studied drama and met his wife, Yoko. His first job was at a record store, which inspired his novel where the protagonist, Toru Watanabe, also works.
He and his wife later opened a jazz bar and coffeehouse in Kokubunji, Tokyo.
Classical music is a recurring theme in many of Murakami’s novels, with titles like , named after Rossini’s opera, , named after a piano piece by Robert Schumann, and , named after a character in Mozart’s opera. Some of his book titles are even inspired by songs, such as , named after The Dells’ song (though many believe it’s named after the tune itself), , named after The Beatles’ song, and , with the first part of the title coming from a Nat King Cole song.
If you want to connect with Murakami, check him out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/harukimuraka….
Editoral Review
Haruki Murakami’s “La muerte del comendador, Libro 1” is a captivating meditation on art, creativity, and identity that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Murakami, known for his unique blend of surrealism and realism, has once again delivered a masterful work that showcases his immense talent as a storyteller.
Set in contemporary Japan, the novel follows a middle-aged painter who has left his wife and career to live in solitude in the mountains. He is commissioned to paint a portrait of a wealthy neighbor’s daughter, but his creative block is lifted when he discovers a mysterious painting hidden in the attic of his house.
As he begins to unravel the secrets of the painting, strange occurrences begin to happen around him, and he is forced to confront his own past and present. One of the strengths of the novel is Murakami’s ability to create a rich and vivid setting.
The secluded mountain town is described in such detail that readers can almost feel the chill in the air and smell the pine trees. The main character’s introspective musings on art and life are also a highlight, providing insight into the creative process and the human condition.
However, the novel does have some flaws. The pacing is slow at times, which may deter readers who prefer a more action-packed plot.
Additionally, the characters can be difficult to relate to, as they are often enigmatic and their motivations are not always clear. Despite these limitations, “La muerte del comendador, Libro 1” is a must-read for fans of Murakami’s earlier works, such as “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” and “Kafka on the Shore.” It delves into similar themes of identity and existence, but with a fresh perspective that keeps the story engaging.
Overall, the novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of the artistic mind and the complexities of human experience. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they finish, and one that deserves a spot on every bookshelf.
Rating: 4/5.
