Dance, Dance, Dance

Murakami has grown on me. This is the third book of his I have listened to. Each time it has taken me a while to become interested in the story and characters - but once the story sets in and is well under way - I thoroughly enjoy it! I would recommend this book to anyone who has listened to other Murakami books and wants more. The distinguishing feature of this book it the narrator - one of the best I have listened to. Degas really enriches the story and does a great job with multiple voices.

Haruki Murakami is a master of surreal mystery moved forward with interesting characters and dark humor. Rupert Degas is a master of bringing them to life with an enthusiasm more exciting and delightful than we probably would have done even if we read the books ourselves. Haruki and Rupert make a magnificent duo.

So far I've listened to Kafka on the Shore; Dance, Dance, Dance; and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I really love them all. Dance, Dance, Dance is probably the lightest heart of the three but fun in different ways than the other two.

This book was a delightful suprise. Using American voices for everything except non-translateable Japanese let me concentrate on the Raymond Chandler - esque story line. The fantastical elements in the story might be a bit for some. I suspect this is a Japanese thing. If you like classic noir, you'll love this book. The "writer with no name" is a latter-day Philip Marlowe. I wish I had a library of tales like this! Not literature, a bit raunchy for some (prostitution), but Murakami rocks this book!

Do you dream? Have you had any kind of unusual experience? How many of us follow these odd experiences?
Do you lust or love?
Do you fear or feel joy? Are you alive?
This is the stuff of Murakami.
In a kind of way this follows 'A wild Sheep Chase'.

For me this is a story about Shiva's Dance. The Dance of life and death. 'Dance Dance Dance'.
It covers the best places to buy lettuce, new friends, compassion, lust and love.
If you love Murakami then you will enjoy this.

I've read all of Murakami's books and the surreality is an acquired taste. I've applauded each one. That said, I'd likely rave for a rotten tomato if it was read by Rupert Degas. The man is a gift to listening ears. Exceptional.

Murakami has one of the most unique writing styles around. Dance, Dance, Dance is interesting to say the least.

I love this story and have read it many times, but feel like this version, having the perfect narration, which manages to even convey the cadence that I feel the author (and translator) spent so much time cultivating, is perfect.

I had so much fun listening that I hated for it end.
The quirky characters earned my love right away. And for the plot there are some but while I do listen intently even rewind some. I know that this summer I'll be enjoying this novel again.
Ending is not what I liked but just may be a sequel is coming. Surely hope so!!
Rupert Degas is Brilliant

Not my normal read. That being said, I enjoyed it immensely. The story was very enjoyable, intriguing and flowed along SO nicely that I do not believe I paid enough attention to what was going down to figure out what finally happened. Sheesh. It IS noir after all, but ...usually... that's not a problem for me (I deal in symbols ALL THE TIME so interpretation is almost a natural thing). LOL. Anyway. Guess I'll have to (eventually) "read" it again and see if it is as solid as I want it to be :)

This is more of the same. I like it, so I enjoyed it, but there is a feeling that the author needs to try a new shtick. On the other hand, there was some serious wrestling with issues here that really got me thinking.