Скачать или смотреть Plot summary, “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” by Haruki Murakami in 5 Minutes - Book Review

"Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is a collection of 24 short stories by Haruki Murakami, written between 1980 and 2005. These stories explore a range of themes and scenarios, often blending elements of surrealism, existentialism, and the mundane. Here's a brief summary of the collection:

The title story, "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman," follows an unnamed narrator and his cousin as they wait for a bus to take them to the hospital. During this time, the narrator reflects on his cousin's ear problem and their relationship. The narrative weaves in memories of a hospital visit involving a girlfriend who tells a disturbing story about a woman doomed to eternal sleep due to a "blind willow."
Another notable story, "Birthday Girl," recounts a woman's 20th birthday, which she spends as a waitress in an Italian restaurant. She's tasked with delivering a meal to an old man on the building's sixth floor. The old man, upon learning it's her birthday, grants her a wish, and the story returns to the present as she and her friend discuss whether her wish came true.
Throughout the collection, Murakami's stories feature a wide range of surreal and mysterious elements, such as a man cursed to vomit for 40 days, a mafia boss who turns into a waterfowl, and a man haunted by a ghostly dead aunt attached to his back. Murakami's narrative style defies traditional literary expectations, often leaving readers with unanswered questions and a sense of ambiguity.
"Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" showcases Murakami's talent for crafting enigmatic and thought-provoking narratives that blur the line between reality and the fantastical. Each story invites readers to explore the peculiar and haunting worlds he creates, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.