44 pages • 1 hour read
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
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Book Brief
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013298
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo • Contemporary
2013
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
Super Short Summary
In Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami, Tsukuru Tazaki, once abandoned by his close friends without explanation, grows up to be a train station engineer struggling with loneliness and unfulfilled relationships. Urged by a new acquaintance named Sara, he confronts his past friends to uncover the truth behind their rejection, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. The novel contains graphic sexual content, explicit discussions of rape, and portrays various mental health struggles including depression.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
197,170 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Haruki Murakami’s novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, is praised for its introspective narrative and lyrical prose. While some admire the exploration of solitude and identity, others find the plot meandering and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, the novel's enigmatic charm and emotional depth resonate, though it may falter in pacing.
Who Should Read Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage?
A reader who would enjoy Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami is likely drawn to introspective narratives, themes of alienation, and enigmatic storylines. Similar to fans of Kafka on the Shore and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, they appreciate literary fiction that blends the surreal with deep emotional undertones.
197,170 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Shiro
Shiro
A former high school friend of Tsukuru’s group, she was a talented pianist who faced personal traumas and shared a complex relationship with Tsukuru.
Haida
Haida
Tsukuru’s college friend, known for his intellectual curiosity and mysterious demeanor, who shared a close but enigmatic friendship with Tsukuru.
Sara
Sara
A travel agent who plays a pivotal role in encouraging Tsukuru to confront his past, while also being a potential love interest with unclear intentions.
Kuro/Eri
Kuro/Eri
A member of Tsukuru’s former friend group who relocated to Finland, coping with her own past by distancing herself and discovering new beginnings.
298
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo • Contemporary
2013
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
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