4.5 stars. Tender, nostalgic, and soft. It may well be the pinnacle of cozy magical realism by Murakami.

I really enjoyed this new work. It feels like Murakami cut away everything else not needed and left only the essentials at its core. Perfectly paced with masterful use of multiple perspectives.

I dare to say that this new book falls within the category of Colorless Tsukuru, South of the Border, and Yesterday - which, for reference, are my favorite Murakami works. It wouldn’t be a Murakami book without his well-known tropes making an appearance (per the Murakami bingo), but I felt that each trope was well used and not at all repetitive or overdone.

So blessed to have received an ARC of this. I will certainly be buying a hard copy when it is released.

Happy to answer any questions you may have (with no spoilers).