Men Without Women: Stories (Vintage International)

Murakami’s writing style is what pulls me into these stories. He creates rich characters with a subtle humor that paints a soft smile on my face.

Drive My Car: Kafuka regrets not asking his wife what she was looking for in other men and what he was lacking. He found himself twisted in his profession as actor and the real him by befriending one of her lovers trying to find clarity. Despite the many drinks and talks with this lover he did not bring up the subject. Was it pride? He was clearly the better actor. Nevertheless, Watari was an excellent driver and Kafuku experienced a genuine smile. Moral of the story: get a good driver. Yesterday: Even if you have the perfect girlfriend since you were a child, people have their own paths they want to take. Be the genuine you in the now and let tomorrow be a mystery. An Idependent Organ: A perfect artifical life it seemed. Sleeping with married women, keeping to your own healthy and perfect routine without showing real emotion. Until that independent organ stabs you in the back by the woman you truly love. The betrayal makes you find the real you whilst starving to death. Was it karma? Scheherazade: A mother of 2 with a husband nurtures him. Restocks his fridge, has sex with him and tells bed time stories. He is not interested in the truth as long as she'll come back tomorrow. Fearing she might not come back, he is heavily dependent on her. Whilst he cannot even find a single trout, not a fat one, not a skinny one. Be independent my guy... Kino: Tap tap... tap tap... Should you let memories come in if they knock on that door? Even after years of being hurt deeply? Should you process them right away? There's no right or wrong in processing feelings. Make sure to let it rain in the dark, sunshine will follow. And as far as im concerned, f*ck those snakes. Samsa In Love: Keep learning. Find yourself the willpower to eat good and remember to dress well. You never know who'll fix that lock on your door. Men Without Women: It's quite easy to become Men Without Women. You love a woman deeply, and then she goes off somewhere. Hope those men can find some peace of mind.