“What I want is for the two of us to meet somewhere by chance one day, like, passing on the street, or getting on the same bus.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84
The Plot
Aomame and Tengo, are taken on a wild adventure at the age of 10 when they share a complicated bond after they share a brief but intense moment when Aomame holds Tengo's hand in their empty classroom, which leaves a lasting impact on both of them. Fast forward 20 years, Aomame and Tengo still long for each other, often wondering and fantasizing about the other.
The greater part of their story is their undying, strong attraction. Almost indescribable and in a way that can't be explained.
“If you can't understand it without an explanation, you can't understand it with an explanation.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84
Aomame is from a family that follows the practices of 'Jehovah's Witness', a community that believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ. Her mother would tag 10-year-old Aomame to knock on every door for the purpose of proselytizing. Aomame wasn't allowed to take part in the activities that normal kids could. She was shunned by her peers from the very beginning. Very soon, Aomame would leave her family, abandon her faith, and discontinue school. This severed her connection with Tengo. She worked on acquiring sports scholarships and lived in college dorms to sustain
Tengo, on the other hand, was a maths prodigy, liked by all, and the kindest kid you would meet. the only despair in his life was his father. Tengo's father was an NHK fee collector, who was devoted to his job. His father would religiously collect fees on Sundays dragging Tengo along with him. Tengo resented Sundays for this very reason. it was alost traumatising. on the Sunday rounds, he would see Aomame with her mother in the same situation as him. two souls who grew estranged at the age of 10, are sucked into the bizarre world (alternative universe) of 1Q84. The story revolves aro
und whether they're able to ever meet by pure luck or chance and nurture their sentiments.
1Q84 works according to its own principles and ideologies. (Although the genre is 'alternative history', Murakami adds his own touch of magical realism). The Little People are mystical beings who have an interesting role to play. Aomame and Tengo are entangled in a ball of a mess as they don't understand how things in 1Q84 work. The novel takes us through their twisted fate. And again the lingering question of whether they'll ever meet.
Honest Review:
The novel is a trilogy that doesn't encourage lazy readers like me to pick it up. It looks very intimidating. If you're not able to get through the boring and strenuous part of the book, it will be difficult to finish it.
There are chapters where the story is slow-paced, repetitive, and boring but Murakami does not disappoint.
For a book that touches genres such as the alternative universe, alternative history, and magical realism, it works flawlessly to leave you with a variety of emotions to deal with.
Murakami gives an ample amount of description and details of the weird world of 1Q84 as well as blank spaces for the readers to fill in.
What to expect from Murakami:
Murakami gives his readers the benefit of doubt (which leaves quite an impact as a reader because you do not stop thinking of the possibilities). There is more space for your interpretation which leaves you to appreciate the art better and there are no right answers.
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