Pinball, 1973

Interesting Facts

• The book is the second part of the so-called «Rat Trilogy», which begins with the novel «Hear the Wind Sing» and concludes with «A Wild Sheep Chase».
• The work contains autobiographical elements: the main character, like Murakami himself, runs a small bar.
• One of the central themes of the novel is the feeling of loss and nostalgia, characteristic of many of Murakami's works.
• The book describes the main character's obsession with pinball, symbolizing the search for meaning and order in a chaotic world.
• The novel was not translated into English until 2015, despite being published in 1980.
• The work contains elements of magical realism, giving it a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere.
• The book explores themes of loneliness and isolation, typical of Murakami's early works.