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Author Bibliography: Haruki Murakami's Books in Order

Tue. 23 Jul. 20245053

As an avid reader with a deep appreciation for literary fiction, Haruki Murakami's works have always captivated me. His unique storytelling and rich, imaginative worlds make his novels truly unforgettable. To help fellow enthusiasts navigate his extensive bibliography, I’ve compiled a chronological list of his major works.

Murakami's acclaimed books include titles like Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84. You can find the complete list in order below!

The Rat Books in Order

Haruki Murakami’s Rat Series is a compelling journey through the lives of ordinary people encountering the extraordinary. Spanning four novels, it explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for meaning in a surreal, dream-like world.


Starting with Hear the Wind Sing and concluding with Dance Dance Dance, each book offers a unique glimpse into Murakami's evolving narrative style and philosophical musings.

 
 

Hear the Wind Sing (The Rat, #1)

 

The series begins with Hear the Wind Sing, Murakami's debut novel. Set in the summer of 1970, it follows the unnamed narrator, a college student who returns to his coastal hometown. The story unfolds through his reflections on youth, friendship, and lost love. The narrator spends much of his time with his friend, the Rat, in J's Bar. This novel establishes Murakami's signature style, mixing mundane details with philosophical musings, and sets the stage for the recurring themes in the series.

 

Pinball, 1973 (The Rat, #2)

 

The second book, Pinball, 1973, continues the story of the unnamed narrator and the Rat. Now living in Tokyo, the narrator works as a translator and becomes obsessed with finding a pinball machine he used to play. The Rat, on the other hand, is depicted grappling with a sense of aimlessness and disillusionment. The novel deepens the introspective and surreal tone, blending the narrator's pinball quest with his memories and daily routines, further developing the characters' inner worlds

A Wild Sheep Chase (The Rat, #3)

 

A Wild Sheep Chase shifts gears, diving into a more intricate and fantastical narrative. The unnamed protagonist, now a publicist, is drawn into a bizarre adventure by a mysterious man in black. Tasked with finding a sheep with a star-shaped birthmark, he embarks on a journey that takes him to the remote mountains of Hokkaido. The Rat, though not physically present, plays a crucial role in the story's mystery. This novel blends elements of detective fiction, fantasy, and existential reflection, marking a turning point in the series with its richer plot and deeper surrealism.

 

Dance Dance Dance (The Rat, #4)

 

The final book, Dance Dance Dance, picks up the story four years after the events of A Wild Sheep Chase. The narrator, now more introspective and burdened by the past, returns to the Dolphin Hotel, where he encountered the mysterious sheep. As he reconnects with old acquaintances and encounters new characters, including a clairvoyant teenager named Yuki and a former classmate turned call girl, he searches for meaning and connection in a world that often feels disjointed and surreal.

Kishidancho Goroshi Books in Order

Kishidancho Goroshi, or Killing Commendatore, by Haruki Murakami is a compelling novel that weaves a narrative rich with surrealism and introspection. It follows an unnamed portrait painter who, after separating from his wife, retreats to a secluded house in the mountains. There, he discovers a mysterious painting that sparks a series of bizarre and mystical events.


The story blends art, history, and personal transformation in Murakami's signature style, making it a must-read for fans of his work.

 
 

Killing Commendatore

 

Haruki Murakami's Killing Commendatore is a surreal novel that follows an unnamed portrait painter who discovers a mysterious painting in the attic of a famous artist's mountain home. This discovery sets off a chain of bizarre events involving metaphysical encounters, a mysterious bell, and a journey into a hidden world. The story weaves themes of art, loneliness, and the search for identity, blending reality with the fantastical in Murakami's signature style.

Standalone Novels in Order

Haruki Murakami's standalone novels offer a unique blend of surrealism, magical realism, and deeply human experiences. Each book stands on its own, providing a fresh perspective on his distinctive storytelling. From the enigmatic Norwegian Wood to the thought-provoking 1Q84, Murakami's standalone novels are a testament to his literary genius.

 
 

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

  • Book Title: Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
  • Author: Haruki Murakami
  • Year Published: 1985
  • Goodreads Rating: 4.12/5 
  • Availability: Buy the eBook from Google Play Books

 

This novel blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, presenting two parallel narratives that eventually intersect. One storyline follows a Calcutec, a data processor working in a dystopian Tokyo, while the other is set in a surreal, isolated town where residents lose their memories. The book explores themes of consciousness, identity, and the clash between reality and imagination.

 

Norwegian Wood

 

A poignant coming-of-age story, Norwegian Wood delves into themes of love, loss, and mental illness. The protagonist, Toru Watanabe, reflects on his college days in Tokyo during the 1960s and his relationships with two women: the emotionally fragile Naoko and the lively, independent Midori. This novel is known for its melancholic tone and deep emotional resonance.

 

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

 

This complex and multilayered novel follows Toru Okada, an ordinary man whose search for his missing wife leads him into a strange and mystical underworld. The book combines elements of detective fiction, historical narrative, and magical realism, exploring themes of war, memory, and the subconscious. It is acclaimed for its intricate plot and rich symbolism.

 

South of the Border, West of the Sun

 

This novel tells the story of Hajime, a successful but unfulfilled man who reconnects with his childhood love, Shimamoto. Their reunion forces him to confront his past and the choices he's made. The book examines themes of longing, regret, and the impact of the past on the present, capturing the bittersweet nature of lost opportunities and second chances.

 

Sputnik Sweetheart

 

Sputnik Sweetheart is a story about unrequited love and the search for identity. The narrator, K, is in love with his best friend, Sumire, who in turn is infatuated with an older woman named Miu. When Sumire disappears while on a trip to Greece, K and Miu join forces to find her. The novel is marked by its lyrical prose and exploration of the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

 

Kafka on the Shore

 

This novel intertwines the stories of Kafka Tamura, a teenage runaway, and Nakata, an elderly man with a unique ability to communicate with cats. Their parallel journeys explore themes of fate, free will, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. The book is noted for its surreal elements, philosophical depth, and richly imaginative narrative.

 

After Dark

 

Set over the course of one night in Tokyo, After Dark follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. The novel captures the city's nocturnal pulse and delves into themes of loneliness, connection, and the hidden depths of urban life. Its atmospheric writing and fragmented structure create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

 

1Q84

 

This epic novel is set in an alternate reality resembling Tokyo in 1984. It follows two characters, Aomame and Tengo, whose lives become intertwined through a series of surreal events. The book explores themes of alternate realities, totalitarianism, and the power of storytelling. Its intricate plot and vivid world-building make it a compelling read.

 

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

  • Book Title: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
  • Author: Haruki Murakami
  • Year Published: 2013
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.87/5 
  • Availability: Buy the eBook from Google Play Books

 

The story follows Tsukuru Tazaki, a man grappling with the emotional scars left by the sudden and inexplicable abandonment by his close-knit group of friends in high school. Years later, he embarks on a journey to understand why his friends cut ties with him and to find closure. The novel explores themes of friendship, loss, and the search for identity.

 

The City and Its Uncertain Walls

 

Haruki Murakami's eagerly anticipated new novel, his first in six years, returns to a familiar Town where a Dream Reader examines dreams and shadows can detach from their owners. The City and Its Uncertain Walls weaves a love story, a quest, and a tribute to books and libraries, serving as a parable for these unusual post-pandemic times. This novel stands as a remarkable and significant work by one of contemporary literature's most influential authors.

How to Read Haruki Murakami's Books on PDF

When you're ready to immerse yourself in the unique worlds of Haruki Murakami, you need a reliable app to read his works. PDF Reader Pro is straightforward, user-friendly, and adaptable to your needs. With this app, you can annotate, edit, and share your Murakami PDFs effortlessly, making your reading experience as personal as you want it to be.

 

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