Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

Interesting Facts

• The book combines two parallel plots that develop in different worlds: one is a dystopian world, and the other is a fantastical city surrounded by a wall.
• One of the main characters works as a 'Calcutec', a data processing specialist, a fictional profession created by Murakami.
• The book explores themes of consciousness, memory, and identity, which are characteristic of many of Murakami's works.
• Murakami uses elements of cyberpunk and magical realism, creating a unique atmosphere that sets this book apart from his other works.
• The book's Japanese title is «Sekai no Owari to Hādo-Boirudo Wandārando», which translates to «The End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland».
• The book was awarded the Tanizaki Prize, one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards.
• The work contains numerous references to Western culture, including music and literature, which is a hallmark of Murakami's style.