Renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami has returned to release his first novel in six years this November. The upcoming book, "The City and Its Uncertain Walls," will be published by Harvill Secker.

The novel was already released in Japan last year and was well-received. Based on rankings from Japanese distributors, the book claimed the title of the best-selling book across genres during the initial half of 2023, surpassing even a guidebook for the latest Nintendo Switch Pokemon game.

Murakami's previous novel, "Killing Commendatore," graced bookshelves in 2018, weaving a tale around an unnamed portrait painter's journey across Japan after his sudden separation from his wife. The narrative unfolds as he seeks inspiration in the home of a former painter, stumbling upon a hidden painting that propels him into a dangerous adventure.

A Tale of Love, Quest, and Literary Mystery

"The City and Its Uncertain Walls" will transport readers to a familiar town, described as a place 'where a Dream Reader reviews dreams and where our shadows become untethered from ourselves.' Harvill Secker bills the novel as not only a love story and a quest but also an ode to books and the libraries that cradle them. In addition, it is hailed as a parable for the peculiar times we navigate post-pandemic.

The novel's narrator, having experienced the loss of his beloved during adolescence, discovers the Town - a mysterious place where he becomes a Dream Reader in the library. As an adult in the real world, he attempts to revisit the Town's magic by working as a librarian in a remote Fukushima province, taking over from a ghostly predecessor. The disappearance of a regular library visitor named 'M' blurs the boundaries between space, time, and individuals, creating an intriguing and enigmatic narrative.

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The novel unfolds in three parts. The first segment draws inspiration from Murakami's short story published in 1980, which he deemed unsuccessful but intended to revisit. The second part shows the protagonist abandoning his job to join a library in a different town. Meanwhile, the third part brings the narrative back to the enigmatic walled city.  

Murakami's Literary Impact

Murakami is well-acquainted with literary accolades and has been a leading candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature, playing a key role in boosting the worldwide appeal of modern Japanese literature. Describing his writing process as a balance between cycling slowly and walking quickly, Murakami believes it may not align with the preferences of highly intelligent individuals who prefer precise idea formulation. His early exposure to literature stems from his parents, both educators in Japanese literature.

Recently, Murakami read aloud his yet-to-be-published short story "Kaho" during a book event named 'The Owl Reads in Spring.' The event was attended by 1,100 audience members and served as a fundraiser for the Waseda International House of Literature library at Murakami's alma mater in Tokyo.

Even though there are considerable gaps between Murakami's publications, he remains a prolific author of novels and other literary works. His wide range of writing continues to captivate a large audience.

Scheduled for release on November 26, 2024, "The City and Its Uncertain Walls" is anticipated to be a singular and towering achievement by one of modern literature's most important writers.

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