Shortly after ‘Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage‘ was published in 2014, it was announced that Haruki Murakami’s first two novellas ‘Hear the Wind Sing’ and ‘Pinball, 1973’ would be retranslated and reissued in English. Originally published in Japan in 1979 and 1980 respectively, the English translations by Alfred Birnbaum have long been out of print. Despite Murakami’s cult status followed by increasing commercial success across the world and with rare copies of the original translations selling for hundreds of pounds on eBay, it’s surprising that the novellas haven’t been reissued sooner. Last year, new translations by Ted Goossen were finally made available in one volume under the shortened title ‘Wind/Pinball’.
‘Hear the Wind Sing’ and ‘Pinball 1973’ are actually the first two parts of a “trilogy” while the third part ‘A Wild Sheep Chase’ has already been widely available in English since 1989. I can’t think of any other series where it would be even remotely conceivable to translate the final book of a trilogy as a stand-alone novel a quarter of a century before making the first two volumes available outside Japan. However, in the case of Murakami’s earliest works, it makes virtually no difference which order you read them in due to the total absence of a linear plot.
The only real connection between the three books is the presence of the same unnamed narrator along with his friend known as the Rat. Although both ‘Hear the Wind Sing’ and ‘Pinball 1973’ have the barest of “plots” consisting of an aimless series of bizarre events and random musings, ‘Hear the Wind Sing’ is particularly disjointed. It is a very sketchy outline of the thoughts of an unnamed narrator, a student who spends a lot of time in J’s bar with the Rat, and his feelings about previous relationships. Murakami reveals in the introduction that he started writing his first novel in English rather than Japanese and the limitations imposed by writing in a foreign language partially explain how this fragmented style developed.
In ‘Pinball 1973’, the narrator has finished his studies, moved to Tokyo and is attempting to track down a particular type of spaceship pinball machine he used to be obsessed with. Meanwhile, the Rat is still languishing in J’s bar but there is less focus on him this time. This second novella is noticeably more assured and less like a creative writing exercise compared with ‘Hear the Wind Sing’, demonstrating how quickly Murakami’s narrative style was developing at the time.
Despite being his first novels, I wouldn’t say that ‘Wind/Pinball’ has now become the best place to start for newcomers to Murakami. His more established classics such as ‘Norwegian Wood’ or ‘Kafka on the Shore’ are better introductions to his novels. However, while ‘Wind/Pinball’ will appeal the most to established fans who are interested in the early development of Murakami’s surrealism, they are far more accessible and contemporary in style than I thought they would be. Many of Murakami’s trademark themes and characteristics including loneliness, cooking spaghetti and numerous pop culture references are already evident in these early works which should please his fans.
Not just for Murakami completists, ‘Wind/Pinball’ offers a fascinating insight into the career beginnings of one of the most inventive novelists in the world today. Murakami has reportedly been quite resistant towards making his first two novellas available outside Japan but as long as they are read and enjoyed for what they are – early experimental fragments of writing rather than lost classics – then they will not disappoint.
A Little Blog of Books 
Just picked this one up at the bookstore today and then kept it back again. Damn
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It’s definitely worth a read at some point. I’m looking forward to seeing what Murakami writes next too.
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the introduction was fabulous, but i was disappointed otherwise, probably because I failed at recognizing themes I usually enjoy in Murakami. My favorite ever by him remains 1Q84
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Yes some of his main themes didn’t emerge until much later. I think my favourite is Kafka on the Shore – I enjoyed 1Q84 too although lots of people think it was way too long.
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I was so much into it, and the alternation between the chapters and the narrators made me never want this book to end!
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I’ve had mixed experiences with Murakami’s books, but as A Wild Sheep Chase was one of my favourites I may well pick this up at some point. Thanks for the review.
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In that case, I would definitely recommend it if you liked A Wild Sheep Chase. His early stuff wasn’t really my favourite which is why I didn’t rush to read Wind/Pinball but I am willing to revisit them now!
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Thanks for the review – I will now not splash out & buy Wind/Pinball. Will give these two a miss.
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I am generally less keen on his early work but did enjoy it more than I thought I would. I think it might be a while until he publishes a new novel unfortunately!
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Murakami’s success means it was bound to be re-released sooner or later. I’m a big fan of Murakami’s style, so I think that despite the fragmented nature of the novels I’ll enjoy this. I enjoyed most of his writing even when it felt like it was going nowhere (After Dark has that problem).
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Yes I’ve learnt never to expect a neatly wrapped up conclusion when it comes to Murakami!
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A Wild Sheep Chase was the first Murakami I read way back when but I hadn’t realised that it’s the third part of a trilogy. Now that I do I’m even more keen to read these two. Excellent review – thanks!
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Yes there is very little which connects them other than the characters. I read A Wild Sheep Chase a few years ago and thought it was a bit too surreal compared to Norwegian Wood but may revisit it at some point.
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It was my very first Murakami and perhaps because of that I’ve always been drawn to his wackier novels.
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I must let my husband know about this as he’s a big Murakami fan.
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If he hasn’t already read it, he definitely should!
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It’s always nice to know there’s more by Murakami. I don’t want to run out. 😉
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Can’t wait to see what he writes next!
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The only Murakami I have read is 1Q84, and frankly, I’m not sure how much I want to read more of him. I mildly enjoyed the book but wasn’t really fond of how bizarre it was, and that seems to be one of his characteristics.
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I imagine 1Q84 would be a difficult one to get into if you’re new to Murakami. Some of his novels are less surreal than others – maybe try one of his shorter novels like Sputnik Sweetheart?
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Just the title makes me think it might not be for me! But maybe I’ll give it a try. The time travel and the love story I found interesting in 1Q84. It was the little green monster part that I felt was ridiculous (or whatever they were; I can’t remember).
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For someone new to Murakami, where would you suggest one begins? 🙂 I’ve been meaning to start his work, but don’t know where/with which!
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The first Murakami book I read was Norwegian Wood which is probably his most famous novel. Alternatively, you could start with one of his shorter novels like Sputnik Sweetheart 🙂
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Great review. One of my New Year’s goals is to read more Haruki Murakami so I appreciate the inspiration!
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Thanks, I hope you achieve your goal! My favourite is probably Kafka on the Shore.
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I am ashamed that I have never read any of Haruki Murakami’s novels. I need to review one of his books for my blog. Which one should I start with??
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Whoops! I didn’t read your previous response to this same kind of question. Thanks!
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So far, I can say that all of the books I’ve read are really mind satisfying! The first one I have read was 1Q84! Wish I can write like him!
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