55 pages • 1 hour read
After Dark
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
710L
Super Short Summary
Published in 2004, Haruki Murakami’s After Dark follows college student Mari Asai through a night in Tokyo, encountering figures within the city’s underbelly while her sister Eri experiences a surreal ordeal in her sleep. Throughout the night, Mari interacts with characters on the fringes of society, including a jazz musician, a love hotel manager, and a sex worker. The novel contains depictions of violence, drug use, and sexual content.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Serene
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
174,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Haruki Murakami's After Dark offers a mesmerizing journey through Tokyo's nocturnal landscape, evoking a dreamy, surreal atmosphere. Praised for its vivid characterization and compelling prose, the novel, however, can feel disjointed and unresolved. Readers either revel in its enigmatic charm or find its ambiguity frustrating. Overall, a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read After Dark?
A reader of Haruki Murakami's After Dark would appreciate surreal narratives, atmospheric settings, and intricate character studies. Fans of Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84 would find themselves captivated, as would those who enjoy the dreamlike prose found in novels by David Mitchell such as Cloud Atlas.
174,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tetsuya Takahashi
Tetsuya Takahashi
A college student with a passion for jazz and a pre-law background, characterized by his thoughtful conversations and interest in Mari. He shares a connection with Mari from a past encounter.
Eri Asai
Eri Asai
Mari's sister, known for her exceptional beauty, who remains asleep for much of the story. Her life has been molded by external perceptions of her appearance.
Kaoru
Kaoru
A former wrestler turned manager of a love hotel, known for her protective nature and straightforward personality. She guides Mari through Tokyo's nightlife and stands up for those in vulnerable situations.
Shirakawa
Shirakawa
An enigmatic salaryman living a double life, characterized by his violent tendencies and ordinary appearance. His actions intersect with other characters in unexpected ways.
Korogi
Korogi
An employee at a love hotel with a mysterious past, who adopts a new identity and works alongside Kaoru. Her conversations with Mari provide insight into her life and motivations.
256
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
710L
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