logo

64 pages 2 hours read

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Haruki Murakami

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo • Alternate Reality

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami intertwines two alternating narratives: a futuristic Tokyo where a Calcutec encodes risky data and a mythical Town at the end of the world where residents lose memories. Both narratives follow the same protagonist as he navigates challenges, encounters unique characters, and faces an impending, ambiguous fate.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Fantastical

Melancholic

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.3

146,267 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Haruki Murakami's Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World merges surreal fantasy with noir elements, captivating readers with its imaginative dual narrative. Positive reviews praise its originality and depth, while critiques point to its occasional convoluted plotting. Overall, it is lauded for thought-provoking themes and unique storytelling, resonating with Murakami fans.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World?

Readers who enjoy Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World typically appreciate surreal, genre-blending narratives with elements of science fiction and fantasy. Fans of Franz Kafka's The Trial or Philip K. Dick's Ubik may find its intricate plot and existential themes engaging. Ideal for those who love exploring complex, imaginative worlds.

4.3

146,267 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo • Alternate Reality

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.