Over seven progressively off-kilter short stories, Japanese author Haruki Murakami delves into the subject of loneliness and, in particular, how it impacts on seven men.
Among them, there’s a widower who finds comfort in his formidable new driver’s gear changes; a 30-something reflecting on a friendship at university and a love that wasn’t to be; a recent divorcee who sets out on a new path in life; and a plastic surgeon who has an unexpected change in outlook in his middle age.
Rooted more in the everyday and less in the surreal than his previous works, each story nevertheless has the same familiar unfamiliarity Murakami does so well.
Bearing hallmarks of his earlier stories, there are references to the Beatles, suicide, disappearances, melancholic humour in unexpected places, and a sense the world is ever so slightly off balance across the collection.
While this is familiar ground, Murakami still has something to say. And considering he is approaching his 70s, he captures youth with particular aplomb.
A solid collection, Men Without Women is a decent entry point to Murakami and a crisp take on love that should please fans.
