I'M SAFE INSIDE THIS CONTAINER CALLED ME

"It's like my identity's an orbit that I've strayed far away from, and that really hurts. But more than that it scares me. Just thinking about it makes me flinch."

Chilling... isn't it? Just one little example of the piercing prose of Haruki Murakami's "Kafka On The Shore". An intellectually profound novel of epic proportions. Truly one of the best books I've ever read. Reading this metaphysical masterpiece is like taking a dive deep into your soul. It's an exhilarating odyssey through our conscious thoughts, and the dark desires hidden in our dreams and nightmares.

The book introduces us to two unlikely heroes: Kafka, a fifteen year old runaway plagued by an oedipal prophecy; and Mr. Nakata, an older, mentally impaired gentlemen who can speak with cats. These two lives are amazingly intertwined in a fantastical storyline where the reader learns stunning details of the two protagonists, all the while discovering an incompleteness that lies in us all.

"I forget my name the cat said... I had one, I know I did, but some where along the line I didn't need it anymore. So it slipped my mind." Black Cat/Otsuka

Two way verbal communication with cats seems absurd, but not for Mr. Nakata. The understanding of cats give him a reason to live. A purpose in his world. Purpose, so simple, and so universal. We all crave it. It's human instinct. And by way of this purpose, Murakami gives the readers clues about the story, and clues to understanding ourselves. While conversing with the felines, Nakata unravels mysteries beyond his own basic existence. The cats share so much more than what's on the surface.

"I feel a little bit bad about lying, but there's not much I can do about it. I've got to bend some rules myself if I want to survive." Kafka Tamura

Kafka. Fifteen, and wise beyond his years. This teen is both hiding, and seeking at the very same time. He's running from his past, and chasing his destiny. He's confused, and he's complex, but more than anything he's the sum of his relationships and lack there of. His family, his friendships, and his love are his motivations for everything. Again more simple, universal themes, but the artistry thrives in the abstract ways these general elements are revealed. Getting to know Kafka is like interpreting your favorite song, painting, or photograph. There's always something clandestine, always something forthright, and so much more in between.

Along side Kafka, and Mr. Nakata exists other brilliantly crafted characters. The story has countless unique secondary, and tertiary characters. There's Oshima, the gender bending librarian. Johnnie Walker, a man whom no description could do him justice. And Colonel Sanders, not a real person but a concept! Yes one of the books most memorable characters is nothing more than a concept!

I could talk about, and dissect this book for the rest of my life. I'll spare you any more details, but I do urge you to read it. Suspend your disbelief, and prepare to be thrilled beyond your wildest imagination.