Kafka on the shore describes the coming of age of a boy, the death of people living in the past and the wake up of people wasting their lives.

I think this morality tale is mistaken by many reviewers as philosophical, but that is in my view beside the point. It's about what is good and what is not.

I loved this book, and the narration is sublime.

It would depend on the friend. This book is not for everyone. If understanding something easily and clearly, I would not recommend this book to anyone. I would recommend it to my friends who appreciate surreal art.

I have never read a book that compares. Great books, 5 star books, of course, but not ones comparable to Kafka on the Shore.

I was truly startled by the British accents since this book is set in Japan with Japanese characters and I expected Japanese readers. HOWEVER, the readers managed to give the book a whole Western flavor that I didn't get from my first three (Kindle) readings (and probably never would have gotten.) I think they helped me understand what the hell the book means a little bit more.

Kafka because I think he is sexy.

Near perfection. but be careful, it takes you far away sometimes. Do not operate heavy machinery. or operate on people. while listening.

interesting, thought-provoking, repetitious

Parellel plot held my interest, magical realism - I was never quite sure when it was reality and when it drifted into fantasy; learning something of the Japanese culture

I love Nakata - so much to learn from him!

Probably would do well with an abridgment - some of the scenes were repeats. Nevertheless I went on to buy 1Q84 which is 45+ hours!

This is my favorite book, and the narrators were pretty great. They both had not only very pleasant voices to begin with, they also were able to really bring life to the different characters. Definitely worth a listen!!

Two stories that are affected by metaphysical phenomenons. Lots of references to OBE's and NDE's. Murakami is as philosophical as usual with all the metaphors and allegories to enhance the performance. I knew the Kafka and Nakata plot lines were going to tie in eventually, but it seemed abrupt in the way that it was. Lot of things remained vague on Kafka's upbringing and the whole entrance stone concept, and I guess that, in the end, Murakami decided that Kafka's ominous past nor the limbo-like realm was important. Consequently, the chapters involving Kafka became kind of frustrating. However, I was glad on the Hoshino's character development in the Nakata plot line, even though it was a bit more mysticized. Maybe the fact that it's an audible, I probably missed a few things here and there.

I'm fond of the author and his novels.
So I already know the all parts of this novels here and there.
And the narrators' voices and reading skills are quite great.

For me as a foreigner using English as a second language, the narrators's voice tone is very helpful to hear the whole story without feeling boring.

Thank to Sean Barrett , Oliver Le Sueur.
Their voice and command of English sounds a bit like an European.
That factor is also quite intriguing to me.

This was a well reviewed book, and I'm not sure why. Several story lines / characters are introduced, and considerable time spent on them, only to disappear midway through the book.

This story rambles on, never explaining how or why things happen. Really incredibly odd. I wouldn't bother. Narrator had a very pleasing voice, but not much material to work with.

A stimulating read for a thinking reader. I went back and listen again and again to many passages.
The ending is a bit perplexing. Psychology 101 is not sufficient to deal with the finale. In my opinion, "The Wind-up Bird Chronicle" is Muracami's best book.

A bit long in the tooth. Interesting concept and characters, it just gets too rambeling. Good readers.