Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami

Book Review: 

Haruki Murakami’s Killing Commendatore is a mesmerizing blend of the mundane and the mystical, a hallmark of the author’s signature style. Published in 2017 and translated into English in 2018, this novel takes readers on a journey through art, love, loss, and the surreal, all wrapped in Murakami’s trademark prose that feels both familiar and otherworldly.

Plot Overview

The story follows an unnamed portrait painter in his mid-thirties who, after the collapse of his marriage, retreats to a secluded mountain house in Odawara, Japan. The house belongs to a famous artist, Tomohiko Amada, and it is here that the protagonist discovers a mysterious painting titled Killing Commendatore. This discovery sets off a chain of events that blurs the line between reality and imagination, drawing the painter into a world of enigmatic characters, supernatural occurrences, and profound self-discovery.

As the protagonist navigates his new life, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a wealthy and eccentric neighbor, Menshiki; a precocious teenage girl, Marie; and a two-foot-high apparition known as the Commendatore, who emerges from the painting to guide him through a series of surreal adventures. The narrative weaves together themes of art, creativity, and the subconscious, culminating in a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Themes and Style

Murakami’s work is often described as magical realism, and Killing Commendatore is no exception. The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of art to transcend reality. The protagonist’s journey is both literal and metaphorical, as he grapples with his past, his failed marriage, and his purpose as an artist. The painting Killing Commendatore serves as a portal to the subconscious, forcing the protagonist to confront his fears and desires.

Murakami’s prose is as evocative as ever, with vivid descriptions that bring the story’s surreal elements to life. The novel is filled with the author’s characteristic quirks: jazz music, whiskey, and a sense of quiet introspection. Yet, it also delves deeper into the metaphysical, exploring the nature of existence and the boundaries between the real and the imagined.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance the ordinary with the extraordinary. Murakami’s characters are deeply human, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make them relatable, even as they navigate a world filled with supernatural phenomena. The pacing, while deliberate, allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story’s atmosphere.

However, some readers may find the novel’s length and meandering narrative challenging. At over 700 pages, Killing Commendatore requires patience, and its open-ended conclusion may leave some craving more resolution. That said, for fans of Murakami’s work, these elements are part of the charm, inviting readers to interpret the story in their own way.

Final Thoughts

Killing Commendatore is a quintessential Murakami novel, offering a rich tapestry of themes and ideas that linger long after the final page. It is a meditation on art, love, and the mysteries of the human psyche, told with the author’s signature blend of realism and fantasy. While it may not be the best entry point for newcomers to Murakami’s work, it is a must-read for longtime fans and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, genre-defying fiction.

If you’re ready to lose yourself in a world where the boundaries of reality are fluid and the ordinary becomes extraordinary, Killing Commendatore is waiting for you.