Murakami on our mind
Updated On: 12 January, 2022 08:19 AM IST | Rahul Mahesh
Today, on the celebrated storyteller’s 73rd birthday, we’ve curated some of his best works, its many adaptations and his appeal among Mumbai readers
Drive My Car, adapted from a Murakami story, won the Best Foreign Film at the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Haruki Murakami is an author who has garnered critical acclaim with mass appeal with equal ease and style. His writing is fascinating as it transcends the bounds of reality and explores vast expanses of the human condition in delicate fashion.
Many of his works have been adapted into films and his works are a matter of discussion in many podcasts and shows across the world.
Drive My Car (2021, film)
This is most recent adaptation of Murakami’s short story from his 2014 collection, Men Without Women. It was recently adjudged Best Foreign Language film in the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2022.

Still from Burning, a film adapted from Murakami’s short story
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
History of Literature (2018, podcast episode)
Host Jackie Wilson and lifelong Murakami fan Mike Palindrome discuss the appeal of Murakami’s novels, his understanding of life and the lessons learnt from his prolific works.
Burning (2018, film)
One of the most visually striking films of 2018, Burning produced some stellar performances from a talented cast. The film received rave reviews and is an adaptation from Murakami’s short story, Barn Burning, from The Elephant Vanishes.
The Arcade by Hazlitt Magazine (2016, podcast episode)
Classical pianist Eunubi Kim, journalist Roland Kelts and York University professor of Japanese Literature and Murakami translator Ted Goosen discuss the works of Murakami. The conversation weaves around his surrealistic style and his critical and worldwide appeal.

Murakami’s books follow a surrealistic storytelling that is quite unique
Murakami in Mumbai
“Murakami’s works are a kind of literary baton passed from reader to reader. Not everyone gets his surrealistic style of writing but those who do are forever in love with his works. We have noticed that books like Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running have a passionate readership among Mumbaikars. The simplistic style and the manner in which most of his books explore themes of love, life and anxiety appeals to our young readers as well,” shares Ahalya Naidu Momaya, founder of Bandra’s Trilogy Bookstore.

“Our suppliers always comment on the demand for Murakami at our store. His books sell quickly and the following is immense. His highly imaginative writing style has garnered a large and devoted following in Mumbai. His books sell like hot cakes every single time. Titles like Norwegian Wood, Sputnik Sweetheart and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running are popular titles. Recently, we noticed an interest in his short stories with Men Without Women taking up the top spot among readers,” informs Jagath Tekkate of Kitab Khana.
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | In Photos: Hiroshima Day Silent Peace March 2026
Preshit Deorukhkar
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
12 August, 2026 07:33 PM IST | Oshin Fernandes
10 August, 2026 07:17 PM IST | Test Tushar
10 August, 2026 11:49 AM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | Preshit Deorukhkar