Wonderful. By far the best Murakami book I've read so far (though some of his short stories are definitely this good).

It was apparently a disappointment to fans because it lacks much of his signature surreality. However, I found its relative simplicity and straightforward nature suited the story perfectly.

Murakami's characters are extraordinary and his descriptive, understated style is captivating.

This story affected me deeply. It's an odd thing to say, but it seems to me that if I ever was to write a novel, it would be something like this one (in story and tone -- I wouldn't presume to think I'd ever be his equal in mastery).

It made me nostalgic for that time in teenager-hood when love is one of the great mysteries.