Norwegian Wood

The perfect distraction from revision over the final couple of weeks was Japanese author Haruki Murakami's 1987 novel 'Norwegian Wood'. Set in late 1960s Tokyo, the story follows the story of students as they enter their twenties, and focuses on one man and his relationships with two very different women. He is reminded of his student days when he hears the Beatles song of the same title. Whilst I found the story to be moving and the characters engaging, what I particularly enjoyed about reading Norwegian Wood was the descriptions of Tokyo and of the Japanese countryside. In developing their relationship, two of the main characters take long walks through the city, and many of the key encounters revolve around food - meeting for lunch, endless amounts of miso soup and very detailed descriptions of home cooking. If you hadn't gathered from a previous entry, I think Japan is on the list of places to visit soon, probably edging its way towards the top of the list. I must point out, whilst it is a central factor, food is not the only reason for the current obsession with the land of the rising sun.

The Beatles - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)