Norwegian Wood

"Norwegain Wood" is a romantic novel written by Japanese novelist Murakami Haruki. This is a story not only describe the romantic relationship between a boy and two girls, but also explain the attitude of facing dead. 

The main character in this novel-Watanaba, who is a college student, has experienced that his best friend committed suicide. Watanaba not only felt sorrowful himself but also felt sympathy for his best friend's girlfriend-Naoko. Watanaba wanted to console Naoko's sadness, so he accompanied her all the time, and gradually fell in love with her. However, Naoko still could not walk out of the sorrow, and she ended her life by committing suicide as her boyfriend did eventually.

At the same time, Watanaba discovered that not only did he fall in love with Naoko, but he was also attracted by his friend Midori. His feeling to two girls made him feel confused and guilty. Even after Naoko committed suicide, Watanaba was still afraid to accept Midori's love. Fortunately, it was Midori's love that finally gave him the courage to pursue his own happiness.

The author conveyed two important concepts in this novel. The first one is about love. Some people may have the experience that they fall in love with someone at first; however, their love to that person gradually transfer into friendship or family affection, and they are attracted by another person. In this situation, some people may feel guilty and have pressure of not being able to fulfill the promise they had made before. In this novel, the author said that the two people are just like beautiful lake and blue sky, both of them are charming and appealing to you in the beginning. Nevertheless, one day you will find out which one you like more, and all your changing is reasonable; therefore, it is unnecessary to be so disappointed that even lose the opportunity to pursue your truth love and your own happiness.

Another concept is about the attitude of facing dead. The main character in this novel had two experience of facing dead. One is his best friend, and another is his beloved girl. In the two times experience, he realized that no matter what kind of truth or belief you have, it can not cure the sorrow of losing beloved. Even you already have an experience, but the experience will still be useless when you face the next parting. This is because everyone is irreplaceable; therefore, the only thing you can do is to walk through the sorrow and you can finally end the sorrow.

I really recommend this novel, for the author conceals a lot of important concepts for readers to reflect by themselves in the plot. It is a novel that worth of reading, because readers will have different feedback during their every time reading. 

More detailed: http://www.books.com.tw/products/0010240507