(Some spoiler alert) Solitude, beautiful girl/women, handsome and wealthy man, music, cooking, art, disappearing people/things...classic Murakami. There are so many parts/theme that reminded me of his past books (Wind-Up Bird, Dance, Dance, Dance, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World), it felt like I was reading a same story, just with different characters and setting. Which is not entirely a bad thing. But if you are looking for something different, you might be disappointed. I liked the fact the protagonist was an artist, rather than the old favourite, writer. Felt like there was some loose ends - especially on Menshiki - wonder if there is a third book???