Books Like...
After Dark by Haruki Murakami is a novel that unfolds over the course of one night in Tokyo, where the lives of various characters intersect in intriguing ways. The story follows a 19-year-old college student named Mari who chooses to stay out all night, leading to unexpected encounters and situations. Through alternating chapters, the narrative also delves into the life of Mari's sister, Eri, who remains in a mysterious sleep. Murakami's writing style is described as dreamlike, with elements of magical realism that create a sense of detachment and introspection among the characters.
If you liked After Dark, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk is a novel that follows the journey of Lillian Boxfish, an 85-year-old woman who decides to walk across Manhattan on New Year's Eve in 1984. As she strolls through the city, she reflects on her life as a copy editor in the 1930s, her successful career in advertising, her marriage, motherhood, and the changes she witnessed in New York City. Through her reminiscences, readers are taken on a historical and emotional journey, learning about Lillian's past and the evolution of the city she loves.
The book beautifully intertwines Lillian's personal story with the vibrant backdrop of New York City, portraying her as a resilient and inspiring character who navigates through various challenges and triumphs in her life. The writing style captures the essence of different eras, providing a glimpse into Lillian's past experiences and the city's transformation, making it a poignant and nostalgic exploration of love, loss, and resilience.
There once was a girl named Phoebe Snow. She wore only white and held tight to a violet corsage, an emblem of modesty. She was not retiring, though, and her life spun out as a series of journeys throu... - #2
Save:Enchanted Night by Steven Millhauser is a novella that delves into the lives of forgotten people and objects in a small town in Connecticut. The narrative unfolds on a hot summer night, where various characters, both animate and inanimate, are portrayed with delicate intricacy. The book explores the paradoxical nature of the people of the night, who come alive when most are asleep, seeking something more while being trapped in the bubble of night. The story is more about atmosphere, memories, and myth, inviting readers to float upon lyrical prose and rekindle a sense of wonder felt in childhood and adolescence.
The novella progresses by introducing different characters in a seemingly random manner, with no clear protagonists or antagonists. The brief chapters create a mood that wraps itself around the reader, evoking the world of the Unconscious and its mysteries. The writing style is described as poetic, whimsical, and magical, akin to a vivid dream capturing both longing and melancholy, reminding readers of the depth of human existence beyond mundane duties and obligations.
Haverstraw sits on the worn maroon couch with its faint shine on the curve of the right arm. Beside him on the lamp table a glass of ice water rests on a cork-bottomed coaster with a white-tiled top p... 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store' by Keigo Higashino is a collection of interconnected stories that revolve around people facing everyday and extraordinary challenges. The stories are woven together by a mysterious little shop, creating a novel that is both mysterious and dreamy. The book is a masterwork of twists and turns, with a bittersweet and unfinished ending that is described as perfect by readers. The writing style is praised for being clever, with the stories gradually revealing connections that initially seem random.
“Sorry, guys.” Kohei shrank back, hunching his large body, and cast a longing look at the worn-out Toyota Crown parked beside them. “I didn’t think the battery would die on us here, of all places. Not...- #4
Save:Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan is a short novel that takes place on the final day of operation at a Red Lobster restaurant in Connecticut. The story follows Manny, the manager, as he navigates the challenges of closing down the restaurant amidst a snowstorm and emotional farewells from his staff. The book provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals, focusing on the mundane yet poignant moments of their last day at work.
The plot of Last Night at the Lobster revolves around Manny's efforts to keep the restaurant running smoothly on its final night, despite facing corporate closures, dwindling supplies, and personal struggles. O'Nan's writing style captures the authenticity of the characters and their interactions, painting a realistic picture of life in the service industry and the bittersweet emotions that come with endings and new beginnings.
Mall traffic on a gray winter’s day, stalled. Midmorning and the streetlights are still on, weakly. Scattered flakes drift down like ash, but for now the roads are dry. It’s the holidays—a garbage tru... - #5
Save:Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru, a college student navigating the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and the mental health struggles of his friend's girlfriend, Naoko. As Toru meets Midori, a progressive fellow student, he is faced with the challenge of letting go of the past to embrace the future. The novel delves into themes of mental health, suicide, relationships, and personal growth in a realistic and reflective manner, all set against the backdrop of late 1960s Tokyo.
Murakami's writing style in "Norwegian Wood" is described as poignant, reflective, and touching. The novel unfolds at a walking pace, punctuated by small moments of loss and heartbreak, devoid of the magical realism present in his other works. The characters, particularly Toru, Naoko, and Midori, are portrayed with depth and complexity as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal struggles.
I WAS THIRTY-SEVEN THEN, STRAPPED IN MY SEAT AS THE HUGE 747 plunged through dense cloud cover on approach to the Hamburg airport. Cold November rains drenched the earth and lent everything the gloomy... - #6
Save:Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami is a unique and captivating novel that follows an unnamed protagonist as he navigates a mysterious and supernatural world set in a 1980's east Asian metropolis. The book blends elements of murder mystery, spiritual quest, and the supernatural, all while exploring themes of human emotions, personal relationships, and the search for meaning in life. The writing style of Murakami is described as emotive, contemplative, lyrical, and thought-provoking, creating a narrative that is both surreal and relatable to readers.
The Dolphin Hotel is distorted, much too narrow. It seems more like a long, covered bridge. A bridge stretching endlessly through time. And there I am, in the middle of it. Someone else is there too, ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rat ) Readers are taken on a journey through two parallel stories, one set in a futuristic, high-tech hard-boiled wonderland and the other in a strange world at the end of the world. The novel alternates between these two worlds, with each chapter revealing mysterious circumstances and a sense of deep sadness running throughout. Murakami's writing style is described as surreal, engaging, and a mix of magical realism and science fiction, creating a unique and imaginative reading experience.
THE elevator continued its impossibly slow ascent. Or at least I imagined it was ascent. There was no telling for sure: it was so slow that all sense of direction simply vanished. It could have been g...- #8
Save:'1Q84' by Haruki Murakami is a contemporary novel that delves into an alternative reality with elements of magical realism. The book follows two main characters, Aomame and Tengo, who were in love during their school days and now find themselves in a mysterious and suspenseful situation as adults. The plot is intricate, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, and suspense, all woven together with Murakami's signature writing style that is described as meticulous, detailed, and engaging. The narrative explores themes of fate, love, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, creating a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The taxi’s radio was tuned to a classical FM broadcast. Janáček’s Sinfonietta—probably not the ideal music to hear in a taxi caught in traffic. The middle-aged driver didn’t seem to be listening very ... - #9
Save:"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a tender and quiet story that follows Tsukiko, a lonely office worker in her thirties, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school teacher, Sensei, in a Tokyo bar. Despite their age difference and differences in personalities, the two form an unlikely companionship that slowly blossoms into a delicate and heartfelt romance. The book explores themes of loneliness, connection, and love through the lens of everyday interactions, food, and sake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. Kawakami's writing style is spare yet mesmerizing, drawing readers into the evolving relationship between Tsukiko and Sensei with subtle humor and poignant observations.
Sensei and I exchanged glances. Despite the fact that we came to this bar almost every other night, the owner had never once treated us like regulars or made a point of making friendly conversation. R... 'Tokyo' by Mo Hayder is a gripping thriller that intertwines the past and present, focusing on the haunting events of the Nanking Massacre in 1937 and their impact on the characters in modern-day Tokyo. The story follows Grey, a woman obsessed with uncovering the truth about the atrocities in Nanking, who forms an uneasy alliance with a Chinese professor to delve into a dark underworld involving a dangerous Yakuza boss and a mysterious Chinese folk remedy. Through a mix of eerie atmospheres, vivid characters, and meticulous pacing, the narrative unfolds to reveal chilling secrets and a satisfying climax that ties together the historical horrors and contemporary mysteries.
To those who fight and rage against superstition, I say only this: why? Why admit to such pride and vanity that you carelessly disregard years of tradition? When the peasant tells you that the great m...
