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Murakami on His New Novel
Haruki Murakami discusses his new novel, "The City and its Uncertain Walls," its origins, and his views on writing, inspiration, and past works.
English
United States
EntertainmentLifestylePandemicInspirationNovelLonelinessWriting
Knopf
Haruki MurakamiF. Scott Fitzgerald
- What is Murakami's perspective on the concept of shadows in this book?
- Murakami views the shadow as a representation of a potential self. He finds it fascinating to explore the multiplicity of possibilities in his characters, as we rarely have the opportunity in life to truly become someone else.
- Are there any other previous stories that Murakami plans to revisit and rewrite?
- Murakami has no plans to revisit any other past works, although he acknowledges some he's not satisfied with. He believes that some mistakes in life are inevitable, while others require rectification.
- How does Murakami describe his writing style, and how does this relate to the themes of his novel?
- Murakami doesn't consider his writing style surrealistic or magical realism; he writes the stories he wants in a style that suits him. The story flows naturally, and he simply puts that flow into words.
- What is the influence of the pandemic on Murakami's writing of "The City and its Uncertain Walls?"
- Murakami sees the pandemic lockdown as a potential metaphor for the walled city in his novel, exploring the coexistence of extreme isolation and empathy. The quiet and contemplation of the lockdown aided his writing process.
- What is the significance of Haruki Murakami's new novel being a revisited version of a previous work?
- Haruki Murakami's new novel, "The City and its Uncertain Walls," is a re-written version of a 1980 novella. He felt it was immature then, but now, in his 70s, he feels great relief to have finally completed it, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders.