I rarely feel the urge to review books, or anything else that i purchase for that matter. However, considering that 1Q84 has been out for nearly a month now and it still has no reader reviews on Amazon, I am practically forced to make a contribution.

First off, if you are already a Murakami fan then you can go ahead and order immediately. This work represents the pinnacle of the style he has developed in his previous work and there is nothing that will disappoint established fans. In my opinion, Murakami's blend of fantasy and realism becomes something truly meaningful in 1Q84 as opposed to remaining a purely aesthetic element as in some of his other novels.

For those readers who are new to Murakami, 1Q84 is a suitable introduction. Although Norwegian Wood or South of the Border, West of the Sun might be even more appropriate, this is just a matter of taste. Although this novel is somewhat heavier on the elements of fantasy than his previous work, the narrative is well refined and should not seem at all overwhelming to the novice reader.

I will refrain from going any deeper into details about the book, however there are two things i do wish to mention. First, the way Murakami employs time in this book demonstrates his skill as a writer. Even though his narrative follows an outwardly simple linear chronology, he succeeds at intertwining seemingly disparate threads of the story in a very powerful way. Second, the character development in 1Q84 is superb. Particularly Murakami's description and portrayal of this one horrendously ugly private investigator is almost surreal in its clarity.

In any case, I believe this novel is well worth the money (and the wait) and should certainly grab the attention of fans and novices alike.

Als besitzer con mehr als 4 'Bar-Lounge Clssics' CD Kollektionen kann ich leider nur sagen dass dieser 2010er Edition einfach den anderen nicht auf geringste nahe kommt. Vielleich...vielleicht...sind einige gute lieder dabei ('Walking on the Moon' und 'Thervada' sind hier erwähnenswert), allerdings von dem 'Flow', was für einer Lounge-Compilation unheimlich wichtig ist, lässt sich insgesamt mehr wünschen. Die übergänge von Track zu Track stimmen einfach nicht wie beim BLC 2 oder BLC 3. Hier empfehl wirklich einen anderen BLC zu kaufen, wie z.B. der Oriental-Edition. Insgesamt stimmt der Presi-Leistungsverhältnis bei den anderen besser. Von mir hat der Album zwei Sterne bekommen nur wegen meine affinät zu seiner Vorgängern...

As an established fan and owner of 6 or 7 Buddha Bar CD's i can confidently rate Vol. IX as one of the best in the collection. In fact, if i were to consider it as a whole it would probably be my favorite. CD 2 is composed with such finesse and fine musical insight that it simply can never go stale. In true Buddha-Bar style, Vol. IX also takes listeners throughout the world - espousing middle eastern vibes, African beats, Latin classics, acid techno - all the way around to true classical music. A must for anyone wishing to expand their musical horizon with a touch of tasteful eccentricity. Highly recommended.