Through each character, Murakami makes a point of showing the reader both sides of their personality. This theory can take on many different meanings but in the case of After Dark it most closely refers to the idea that there are two contrasting parts to each person’s personality. Although it feeds off into a few different points of view, the novel subtly works on analyzing the theory of the duality of human nature. Soon enough, Mari and Takahashi begin to talk and the rest of the night ensues. As Mari wanders around the city of Tokyo she meets Takahashi, a young musician and soon-to-be lawyer who went to school with her sister. Split between multiple settings, this book flips between Mari’s late-night experience in downtown Tokyo, her sister Eri’s seemingly never-ending sleep and the life of a Japanese businessman working a late night at the office. However, on one particular night she decides to tell her parents she is going to a friend’s house and instead takes a train into the city. Mari is a quiet girl who tends to keep to herself and stay out of trouble. In a society where being able to empathize is so important, After Dark could even allow one the opportunity to further understand those around them.Īfter Dark follows the story of Mari, a young Japanese girl living in Tokyo, Japan. While reading After Dark, readers may discover many new ideas that encourage them to dig deeper into subjects such as the character of human beings and just how complex they can be. Murakami explores many different social and psychological topics that are still relatable to people in modern society. Murakami’s book After Dark is the author’s ninth book and is similar yet original in comparison to all his other works.Īlthough After Dark was published in 2004, the points discussed in the book are still entirely relevant today. He has written more than 20 novels since his first book Hear the Wind Sing, was published in 1979. Japanese writer Haruki Murakami is well-known for his unique writing style and ambiguous works of both fiction and non fiction.

After dark murakami review