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53 pages 1 hour read

Haruki Murakami

A Wild Sheep Chase

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

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Before You Read

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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."

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Book Details
Pages

353

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1970s-1980s

Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

740L

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