“For a long time, she held a special place in my heart. I kept this special place just for her, like a- reserved sign on a quiet corner table in a restaurant. Despite the fact that I was sure I’d never see her”
– South of Border, West of Sun
There is often one exact moment that you can pinpoint when the realization of you being in love with someone hits you. For me, it was this exact quote that made me fall in love with Haruki Murakami’s writing. South of Border, West of Sun is my favorite Murakami, something I keep going back even after 4 years of reading it for the first time.
Titled after a Nat King Cole song, the protagonists Hajime & Shimamoto follow the mold of typical Murakami characters. Hajime is a passive introvert who runs a jazz bar and is somebody who goes on with the daily motions of life. Shimamoto is beautiful but is not perfect as she is affected by polio, like a porcelain doll with a crack.
They meet as 12-year olds, friendless because they belong to single child families. Hajime feels attracted to Shimamoto but fails to understand his feelings at such a young age. They grow apart as they start attending different high schools but somewhere Hajime’s heart still aches for her. Hajime’s now 36 and runs a jazz bar which becomes famous and brings him in touch with a lot of old friends. This includes Shimamoto who walks into his bar after more than twenty years since their separation, very Casablanca-ish. Hajime & Shimamoto strike up a conversation and soon embark on an affair. Shimamoto keeps fleeting in and out of his life mysteriously causing problems for Hajime.
What I love about this book is that it tackles so many themes like infidelity, unrequited love, passionless but a secure marriage, mid-life crisis beautifully. The writing hits you and tugs at the romantic in you. The book is full of beautiful quotes that will linger with you even after you are done reading. It also transports you to Tokyo of the late 80’s with gorgeous autumn and rain scenery. At the end of the book, you have this inexplicable feeling of melancholy for these star-crossed lovers.
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who wants to start reading Murkami instead of the usual starter ‘Norwegian Wood’ because it makes you wish you too could fulfill the destiny of your unrequited love.
The Book Coffee Chronicle 