Answer:
At first glance, it may seem that ‘Tokyo Blues‘ is about a typical story in which a teenager is in a love triangle. And to some extent, it's true. But the history of Murakami manages to turn events around and highlight the importance of how they happen. It is a short novel, but not light. I have to admit that at the beginning I had my doubts but I really enjoyed reading.
Tokyo Blues back cover
Although the premise can be seen, the story is told with tact, sensitivity and rawness at some times. All these elements make it a very special book. The story stars unusual characters. Everyone has some emotional tare and some ghosts of the past. They are caught between nostalgia and monotony.
Death, sex, disease and insecurity are key elements in ‘Tokyo Blues’. They are present in virtually the entire book and continually condition the story. So are music and literature because despite the fact that Murakami is a Japanese writer, he is fascinated by certain Western elements that (from what I have read) he introduces into almost all his works. In this case, jazz or The Beatles (who title the book with "Norwegian Wood"), Truman Capote, Fitzgerald or Raymond Chandler.
