BOOK BRIEF

Almost Transparent Blue

Ryū Murakami
Guide cover placeholder

Almost Transparent Blue

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Ryū Murakami

Almost Transparent Blue

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

126

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Japanese Literature
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Japan • 1970s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami explores the lives of disaffected young individuals in 1970s Japan. The narrative focuses on their experiences with drugs, sex, and alienation, offering a stark portrayal of societal disconnection and existential emptiness. Through vivid, raw depictions, the novel examines themes of identity and the search for meaning.

Gritty

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.7

12,946 ratings

45%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ryū Murakami's Almost Transparent Blue offers a raw and vivid portrayal of youth immersed in chaos and hedonism. Critics praise its visceral prose and unflinching exploration of excess and disconnection. However, some find the graphic content overwhelming and narrative depth lacking. The novel captures a snapshot of 1970s Japan through a lens of stark authenticity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Almost Transparent Blue?

A reader who enjoys Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami is likely drawn to raw, gritty narratives that delve into themes of alienation and existential angst. Fans of Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh or Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis may appreciate its unflinching exploration of youth culture and urban decay.

3.7

12,946 ratings

45%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

126

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Japanese Literature
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Japan • 1970s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!