Haruki Murakami’s Killing Commendatore debuted in English late last year, sparking a mix of fascination and critique. The novel’s release left fans divided, with opinions swinging between praise and disappointment. Despite tempered expectations, my experience with the book was refreshingly positive. While not without flaws, Killing Commendatore arguably represents Murakami’s strongest work in the past 15 years. That said, its appeal remains selective, and new readers might struggle to appreciate its layered narrative.
A Question of Worth: Is "Killing Commendatore" for You?
This initial discussion is spoiler-free; sensitive readers, rest assured. For those familiar with Murakami’s bibliography, Killing Commendatore offers a compelling experience akin to rediscovering an old favorite. While I personally rank it alongside Kafka on the Shore, fans of 1Q84 may disagree. However, I wouldn’t recommend this book as a starting point for newcomers to Murakami’s literary world. Titles like The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, A Wild Sheep Chase, and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World better introduce his signature magical realism.
Veteran readers will recognize this book as a homage to Murakami’s earlier works, filled with familiar motifs and nuanced callbacks. While this deliberate recycling of themes creates nostalgia, it also invites inevitable comparisons. Among these parallels, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle stands out as its closest relative, a comparison that both elevates and challenges Killing Commendatore.
Familiar Tropes, Fresh Premises
The novel’s protagonist is a nameless painter navigating life after divorce. Relocating to a secluded mountaintop home, he uncovers a mysterious painting that triggers an otherworldly chain of events. Alongside him, an enigmatic and affluent neighbor, Menshiki, adds intrigue with his Gatsby-like charm and veiled intentions. This stripped-down cast aids readability amidst the novel’s surreal occurrences, creating an immersive world that’s distinctly Murakami.
Music often plays a central role in Murakami’s narratives, but here, visual art takes precedence. The book’s title, derived from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, hints at its rich cultural interweaving. Art’s transformative power becomes a core theme, echoing across the story’s layers and reflecting on its protagonist’s journey.
Pacing and Payoff: Strengths and Shortcomings
The story’s pacing, although deliberate, successfully anchors readers in its atmosphere. This slow unraveling mirrors Murakami’s trademark style, drawing readers into an intimate connection with the protagonist’s psyche. Yet, some may find the narrative’s conclusion underwhelming, echoing criticisms leveled at other recent works like 1Q84 and Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki. While Killing Commendatore does a better job resolving its threads, its anticlimactic moments could frustrate readers craving a more definitive payoff.
Magical Realism and the "Idea" of Thought Forms
(Spoiler Alert: Significant plot details ahead)
Murakami’s venture into magical realism remains central to this narrative. The story’s foray into surrealism begins with the mysterious sound of a bell, leading to the unearthing of the titular Commendatore. A personification of an abstract "idea," this character transcends conventional reality, embodying themes that Murakami previously explored in Kafka on the Shore. Where Colonel Sanders’ absurdity served as comic relief in the latter, the Commendatore’s formless essence demands a more introspective interpretation.
This imaginative leap may alienate some readers, particularly those unprepared for its conceptual abstraction. However, the novel’s deeper exploration of art as a bridge between tangible and intangible realms offers profound reflections. Historical parallels, such as Tibetan yidam practices or ancient cultures invoking divinities through artistic representation, enrich this narrative layer.
Descent into the Underworld: Confronting Shadows
The protagonist’s climactic journey to the underworld resonates with archetypal myths. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek traditions, such as the Eleusinian mysteries, the narrative aligns with themes of memory and choice. In one pivotal scene, the protagonist encounters a faceless man and drinks from a symbolic river, a decision laden with existential implications. Guided by memories of his deceased sister, he navigates a shadowy domain, embodying a poignant exploration of grief and redemption.
Donna Anna, another symbolic figure, reveals the painting’s metaphorical significance. Her insights underscore the transformative power of art, likening it to poetry capable of manifesting new realities. These metaphysical musings challenge readers to ponder the boundaries between ideas, art, and existence.
The Setting: A Geographical and Cultural Journey
Murakami’s novels often intertwine narratives with precise geographical settings, and Killing Commendatore is no exception. The protagonist’s initial road trip through northern Japan offers nods to A Wild Sheep Chase and Dance, Dance, Dance, revisiting regions familiar to longtime fans. The story’s primary locale—Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture—offers a fresh perspective, distinct from Murakami’s frequent Tokyo-based settings.
The narrative also extends to World War II-era Vienna, weaving historical threads into its modern tapestry. Though subtle, this setting evokes connections to Rudolf Steiner’s philosophies on metaphysical vibrations and the interplay of thought and matter. These geographical and cultural references deepen the story’s resonance, grounding its fantastical elements in tangible reality.
Final Reflections: An Artistic Bridge Between Realms
"Killing Commendatore" may not surpass Murakami’s iconic masterpieces, but it showcases his enduring ability to craft narratives that linger in the imagination. Through its exploration of art, memory, and the interplay between reality and abstraction, the novel invites readers to reflect on universal themes. While its pacing and conceptual abstractions may challenge some, those willing to embrace its quirks will find a richly rewarding experience. Murakami’s tribute to the transformative power of art leaves an indelible mark, reinforcing his legacy as a master storyteller.
Closing Note: A Journey Worth Taking:
Haruki Murakami’s Killing Commendatore delves into the intersections of art, memory, and reality, crafting a narrative that’s both introspective and imaginative. With its blend of magical realism and cultural depth, the novel invites readers to embark on a transformative journey. While not without flaws, it’s a testament to Murakami’s ability to illuminate life’s complexities through his unique storytelling lens. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or an adventurous reader, Killing Commendatore offers an experience worth exploring—an artistic bridge between the seen and unseen worlds.
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