53 pages • 1 hour read
A Wild Sheep Chase
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Book Brief
353
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1970s-1980s
1982
Adult
18+ years
740L
Super Short Summary
A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami follows an unnamed 29-year-old narrator who works at an advertising agency in Tokyo. His routine life takes a mysterious turn when a strange man tasks him with finding a unique sheep with a star-shaped mark, which leads him and his girlfriend to a remote part of Japan. Their quest exposes them to surreal encounters, including one with an enigmatic figure called "the Sheep Man."
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
134,827 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Haruki Murakami's A Wild Sheep Chase enchants with its surreal blend of mystery, humor, and existential musings, showcasing the author's signature offbeat narrative style. Critics applaud its imaginative plot and quirky characters but note its sometimes meandering pace and abstract elements, which may challenge some readers. Overall, it's an evocative, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read A Wild Sheep Chase?
A reader who enjoys A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami is likely captivated by surreal storytelling, intricate plots, and deep character exploration. Fans of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis or Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 would appreciate the novel’s blend of magical realism and existential quest.
134,827 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Girlfriend
The Girlfriend
An ear model and proofreader who also works as a prostitute, she is noted for her beautiful and unusually perceptive ears, which have a unique effect on those around her.
The Rat
The Rat
A character representing a more restless and alienated version of the narrator, known for frequently changing occupations and identities without settling down.
The Secretary/The Strange Man
The Secretary/The Strange Man
An enigmatic character whose omniscience and ability to appear inexplicably represent the influence of a shadowy media organization.
The Sheep Man
The Sheep Man
A peculiar and unpredictable character who appears to be a man in a sheep costume, conveying a blend of humor and eeriness in interactions with the narrator.
353
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1970s-1980s
1982
Adult
18+ years
740L
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