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Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

By: Haruki Murakami
Narrated by: Adam Sims, Ian Porter
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Summary

Information is everything in "Hard-Boiled Wonderland". A specialist encrypter is attacked by thugs with orders from an unknown source, is chased by invisible predators, and dates an insatiably hungry librarian who never puts on weight. In "The End of the World" a new arrival is learning his role as dream-reader. But there is something eerily disquieting about the changeless nature of the town and its fable-like inhabitants. Told in alternate chapters, the two stories converge and combine to create a novel that is surreal, beautiful, thrilling, and extraordinary.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2010 Naxos AudioBooks (P)2010 Naxos AudioBooks
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What listeners say about Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

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    4 out of 5 stars

Once again, a fantastic reading experience

Another great book by Murakami. I feel at this point I need to stop my self and read another author, but I would gladly read all his books. I decided to start reading Kafka, also to understand a bit more the narrative and background of Murakamis work. Btw, loved the narrators, they were well chosen.

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very murakami

This is my 7th Murakami's book.
Different and unique as usual. I really like how he puts together neuroscience and theology together in this one. that was my favourite part of the story

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what can I say. I wish it did not end!

a typical Haruki Murakami story and somehow yet again he managed to come up with this unusual idea and a way of telling a story. genius!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Immersive, surreal escapism

Beautifully descriptive and interesting throughout. I love the way Murakami jumps between the stories of two separate characters. The narrators’ voices seem perfect for each character’s narrative: one thoughtful and slow, the other more lively. The plot meanders at times, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, as I did Kafka on the Shore.

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A compelling tale well told.

My third Haruki book, enjoyed the dual pace of this story. It would make a great Graphic novel.

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Pure art

Seriously, there are 5 star books and then there's this. This is so much more than just a book, absolutely amazing. There's story, there's haiku level playful observations, there's a whole word... Or two.

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Bizarre but never without direction

This is the only Murakami book I've read, and I liked it a lot. The style reminds me of Twin Peaks, but never with the feeling that the author doesn't know what his strange visions mean. You get the feeling that there is a very real world just out of reach, and it up to you to break through the veil to see things for the way they really are.

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Amazing story horrible ending

This is a classic Murakami book but I can’t say his best. I especially disliked the ending. But the storyline was very interesting. It is a mix of horror, sci-fi and romance. If you have read other Murakami books then I would definitely recommend this one as well. But if you haven’t read any of his books then don’t start with this one it will only confuse you.

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Spellbinding

Sensational book, my favourite Murakami so far. I was left aching for more. A clear and thoughtful narration by both voice actors that brought just the right quality to each voice. I would highly recommend this book to SF and Fantasy lovers alike if they can sit back and enjoy the slow dreamlike pace of Murakami's style.

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Brilliant, and not as crazy as other Murakami novels

I’ve read and listened to 5 Murakami books and this one is actually a fairly straightforward story. Sure, it’s wild and other worldly, but I didn’t have many “WTF” moments (unlike with Kafka, for example). I enjoyed listening to both narrators; their contrasting cadence helped with both sides of the story.
Glad I listened to this - good solid storytelling with a healthy dose of weird.

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