BOOK BRIEF

Birthday Girl

Haruki Murakami
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Birthday Girl

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

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Haruki Murakami

Birthday Girl

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

48

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo, Japan • 1990s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In the short story "Birthday Girl" by Haruki Murakami, a waitress reflects on a mysterious encounter she had on her twentieth birthday when she met her restaurant's owner. During this unique meeting, she is granted a wish, leading her to ponder themes of fate, choices, and the passage of time.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

3.7

17,831 ratings

53%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami is a short story that captivates with its enigmatic narrative and vivid atmosphere. Positively noted for its dreamlike quality and thematic depth, it prompts introspection. However, some critics find it lacking in plot development and resolution. Overall, it enchants with Murakami's hallmark surrealism while leaving readers with lingering questions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Birthday Girl?

A reader who enjoys Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami likely appreciates surreal, introspective narratives with mysterious elements. Fans of Murakami's Norwegian Wood or Kafka's The Metamorphosis would resonate with its enigmatic storytelling and contemplative themes on fate.

3.7

17,831 ratings

53%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

48

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo, Japan • 1990s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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