Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore Explained

[@agmacdonald]

If you would like to support the channel, please consider checking out my novels in the link below. 👇👇🏻👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾👇🏿 mybook.to/redrivernightmarebook mybook.to/blackwoodnightmare

[@parksheridan8227]

Am i the only one who is attracted to how Murakami portrayed Oshima? He's so neat and intellectual. man, i could just imagine his fashion sense.

[@agmacdonald]

I don't think I'd go as far as to say attracted, but Oshima is a fascinating character.

[@parksheridan8227]

@@agmacdonald whaat i didn't expect you'd reply this fast, i just finished the book like 15 minutes ago. Love your theory tho ❤️

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. It's such an amazing book.

[@jaysisj]

Omg sammmee

[@lightbinger]

man/woman what you wanna portrait him as. he is the best.

[@Anny-me9ny]

This whole book feels like a fever dream, but like it feels weird to hear other people talking about it because it feels like it was my dream, yknow?

[@agmacdonald]

This book is an experience, that's for sure.😊

[@Anny-me9ny]

@@agmacdonald oh hi forgot to thank you for the explanation, cleared everything up :-)

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks so much that's fantastic! So glad I could help.

[@asuka7892]

Oh my god i TOTALLY agree. This book literally felt like I was living in a dream and it felt so real at some point. Seeing other people talk about makes me realize that it's just a book and not my own dream

[@zerozero5891]

I thought the same..

[@dooobodoo7980]

Me after reading the book- I am not that bright😂

[@agmacdonald]

That's a pretty normal reaction to a Murakami book. 😂😂😂

[@dooobodoo7980]

😂😂

[@dooobodoo7980]

@Sakshi Don't worry😂

[@dooobodoo7980]

@Sakshi Haha you definitely have to. Don't worry just enjoy the book as it is😂 No one can completely understands that book😂

[@meghana1113]

Samee! I read about 335 pages and I felt "ok maybe I'm not bright"

[@daisystory7284]

It's my first HM book and I finished reading it just now. 'I am not so bright so I need someone to explain it further' . Anyway, I cried. I love Mr. Nakata so much.

[@agmacdonald]

It's such an amazing book. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@arindamdeb4143]

Even I've also finished the book just now...and I'm confused af.

[@agmacdonald]

But now's the fun part where you get to figure it out in your own way.

[@zyad5365]

I've just finished it too and was watching some videos to help me understand the book a lil bit the end was rlly unexpected for me I thought that Haruki would clear all the ambiguous stuff but he didn't. Oh and I listened to kafka on the shore song too

[@agmacdonald]

Yeah, Murakami rarely gives you all the information, but that's what makes it amazing.

[@callumyeates406]

Something I don't see mentioned is that the book is really a story about life and what it takes to truly live. To accept your past, or memories, but not be bound by them. To accept your life, or fate, and not run from it. And to understand that death and loss is a part of all our lives. We can choose to wallow in grief and sadness, even take our own lives, or we can meet that challenge head on. Live life for life, keeping this understanding quietly within our hearts. Because of this I don't think anything in the book should be taken completely literally, every character and every plot point is a means to convey this message. The purpose of the ambiguity is to leave you looking for answers within yourself. At least that's what I got out of it.

[@agmacdonald]

That's a really great way of looking at it!

[@mendbayarj.8992]

That is beautiful

[@thewallflowergirl_97]

That's so beautiful

[@darealdovahkiin3652]

I agree and indeed, through my own experience in life that is exactly what I have come to believe. For me though, the novel never presents any hint at that kind of sanguinary revelation. I only see in the story Kafka and Miss Saeki characterized by living and attaching to their memories and to the past. I really loved Nakata’s zen-like attitude towards life though, but he’s rather self contained in the context of the themes of the story’s narrative. Just my views so far, I just finished the book so I have a lot to reflect on!

[@cataestacio]

Totally agree. I don't want to take what's written literally, i think the story is all very metaphorical (like Oshima says many times throughout the book) and for me, the book "Kafka on the Shore" is about how to face the obstacles of life.

[@blitzkyyy]

Everyone pointing out time complications clearly don’t remember the several times that a character said “time isn’t important here.”

[@lilacfairies]

i thought that only apply when Kafka's in the forest?

[@jezabeltokio]

thats a good point because if we’re talking about the spiritual world which the whole novel explores, time is truly just an illusion, a made up thing: the past present and future exist at onfe

[@KazuruAnimeundManga]

This is such a good point

[@laureverlinden686]

My theory is that Kafka and Nakata are the same 'soul' living in parallel universes. In Nakata's world, there is no Kafka and in Kafka's world, there is no Nakata. But their actions influence eachother across time and space.

[@agmacdonald]

That's an interesting theory.

[@konversecid1463]

So what do you think happened when Nakata was a child

[@zyad5365]

I'm sorry but that doesn't make sense if they were living in parallel universes then why when nakata visited the library oshima talked to him about kafka and before that hoshino saw in the news that a 15yo teen escaped from his home and that his dad got murdered and that the police suspect nakata all this to say that they do live in the same universe

[@erikrosberg8734]

I belived they were the same

[@lilacfairies]

@@zyad5365 yepp agreed

[@jacksonroberts4404]

I was thinking that maybe the reason Nakata was exposed to the entrance and lost part of himself was not because of Miss. Saike opening up the entrance stone, but because of one of the soldiers doing so. Maybe it was one of the two in the forest behind the cabin but I think it was Nakata's old elementary school teacher's husband. That was how she was able to have the vivid dream that felt real where she was with her husband and why he never came back. After the teacher's husband opened the entrance stone the two soldiers stumbled across the entrance while doing the drills. I think this because either Miss. Saike would have not been born yet or been a baby at the time of Nakata's incident. There are still a lot of loose ends and I don't know if they were ever meant to be wrapped up but it is interesting to think about.

[@agmacdonald]

I think it's meant to remain an enigma to some degree.

[@Ema-nt3gp]

The timing doesn’t fit for neither Miss Saeki nor the soldiers. Miss Saeki was in her 50s, she has opened the gate 30 years ago. The soldiers have disappeared 60 years ago. Nakata was in his 60s and must have lost himself 50 years ago. It was a military experience, either a biological weapon or as the doctors have guessed a mass hypnosis. Murakami was very critical of the military’ practices and purpose (in the very beginning & by the end).

[@jacksonroberts4404]

@@Ema-nt3gp If I remember correctly, the incident when Nakata was a kid happened during WWII, which is when the soldiers were doing drills. Am I missing something?

[@Ema-nt3gp]

@@jacksonroberts4404 the teacher said her husband has already been going missing for quite some time when the incident took place, that’s why I don’t think the 2 events are related. Clearly the gate could open/close as many times as possible: Miss Saeki did it at 15 because she knew she would never be happier, the soldiers did it to avoid taking part of war and Nakata got involved during a military experience. He should have waken up normal, like his friends, if it hadn’t been for the trauma of his teacher brutally beating him up. Gosh my heart still breaks when I recall that part. This book is about so many things but mostly trauma. Murakami explored different patterns that could screw over life beyond repair.

[@jacksonroberts4404]

@@Ema-nt3gp Perhaps, but her husband has to have something to do with all of the crazy stuff that happens in this book. The parallels between the teachers dreams about him and Kafka's dreams are too similar to be just a coincidence. It would be odd for Mirukami to add in that whole part of the chapter for no good reason.

[@elmooko69]

I feel "Kafka on the Shore" is the most Murakami of Murakami novels 😁 Mr. Hoshino is one of my favorite side characters too!

[@agmacdonald]

Definitely.

[@elmooko69]

@@agmacdonald BTW- I was just reminded to order "Moshi Moshi". I also added "Hardboiled and Hard Luck" and "Asleep" to the order, all books written by Banana Yoshimoto! 😁

[@agmacdonald]

I've only read Moshi Moshi so far, and it was amazing. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@nirvanadeori16]

Hoshino is my favorite too.

[@agmacdonald]

😊

[@emosarah7]

Hey so I noticed a few things. Miss Saeki opening the entrance stone couldn't have been what effected the children at the rice bowl hill. She is in her 50's, and Nakata is in his 60's. When Nakata slipped through the entrance stone as a child it was the soliders in the forest that caused that. (I think?). I think it's worth noting that the only reason it's a rice bowl shaped rock is due to the fact Nakata fell on the rice bowl hill, going to Colonel Sanders Chekhov's gun speach. He's a character who is aware he's in a book, and is one of the concepts of the book that actually comes out and guides the characters in a literal sense because he seems to realize if he doesn't Nakata and Hoshino will continue to be lost. He isn't physical, he's just a concept. So the entrance stone is rice bowl shaped because in one of the first chapters we were introduced to a rice bowl shaped hill. Also I don't think the cat is Colonel Sanders, the one at the end. That cat states outright he isn't, and from Colonel Sanders previous actions I don't think he would lie. I think the cat is just a cat, and I think it's fair to assume that cats have some understanding of the spiritual world and unique relationship, which is why Nakata can speak to them. I'm not sure what I'm still ironing that out in my brain. Great video! I just finished the book and need a reread.

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks for your reply. You make some great points. I'm currently re-reading the book to do a chapter by chapter analysis, and there's so much to dive into with this book. 😊

[@callumyeates406]

Yeah I agree. I didn't realise that Colonel sanders was almost Murakami himself though that makes sense

[@swifter2383]

I think that Colonel Sanders was the spirit of Johnny Walker/Tamura trying to access the Entrance Stone, which in the end he couldn’t. I inferred that the creature at the end was in fact Colonel Sanders as he and it were both concepts.

[@meeragirijan6337]

Oh man!! I just finished the book and ended up here. I agree I don't think Ms. saeki turning the entrance stone could have caused that incident on the hill. But man!! Had I not seen this video and gone through the comments I wouldn't have gotten closure. "All things opened must be closed" 😜 I'd love to give this another read. Although, I need a breather 😋

[@schokilover2087]

@@ItsMeBarnaby it makes sense the teacher opened the stone and the souls of the kids left their bodies but returned quickly. just nakatas soul didnt and maybe he left part of his soul at the other side of the entrance. and then the gate got closed by whatever. maybe the soldiers. and also ms saeki left part of her soul on the other side. i always wondered what happened with the kids but thats the best i can think off. there are a lot of things that dont get explained but thats part of the experience. the only thing that bothered me was the incident at rice bowl hill

[@coxg7459]

Just realized that Johnny Walker(portraying the spirit of Kafka's father) is a riddle for the term "spirit" (alcoholic beverage). The name makes all the sense in the world now and Murakami's way of putting it right under your nose is amazing. Didn't figure out Colonel Sanders yet, but still better than pimp Mickey Mouse.

[@justus9978]

i think colonel sanders and johnny walker may be the same souls. colonel sanders always says to hoshino, that he is not existing.

[@Ramon-gg3bd]

Spirit.. that's a genius thought in my opinion. Does it translate similarly in Japanese though? Sanders is helpful, but he also provides Hoshino with pleasure, which I thought was a way of referring to western society, although I cannot see how that directly ties to the story.

[@agmacdonald]

I love it!

[@Ema-nt3gp]

Reading this book is like falling in love with someone weird & eccentric but who understands you, comforts you and reassures you that as messed up as things might be, you will be fine (sorta). Eventually.

[@agmacdonald]

I get that.

[@mrcrispsful]

Man this was released two weeks ago?!?! The timing could not be more perfect, just finished the book 10 minutes or so ago and wanted some clarification because the book left me feeling like nakata. Love love love the book, great video also, helped a lot :)

[@agmacdonald]

It's really the kind of book you need to take a minute after.

[@sauhardarajbhandari5169]

Same here!

[@agmacdonald]

Glad I could help.

[@amartya5137]

Feeling like Nakata 😆 LMAO

[@dieuvy794]

Oh my i finished reading it and yes, i felt like Nakata and need an explanation. But it seems that the more theory I came across, the more perplexing and ambiguous it turned out to be...

[@tsatsraltdashdavaa9035]

I reallyyy want to read what miss Saeki wrote. And her story. And I plan to reread it. That book is really tricky.

[@agmacdonald]

There's a lot in this book. Lol

[@harmonyhaul5195]

Nakata’s original soul did not return hence the memory loss and ability to speak to cats and his innate sense and knowledge of the weird occurrences throughout the book. He had no foreknowledge but knew at the right time. Nakata was a metaphor for living in the present. Miss Saeki could have been a vampire/ageless spirit that moved within different times, hence Kafka meeting the 15 year old version of her. I also think that Miss Saeki “left her body” at the age of 15 which is why she like Nakata has a weak shadow. A weak shadow must mean the original soul is no longer occupying the body. The boy named Crow only ever appears when Kafka is feeling confused or overwhelmed which is what led me to believe he disassociates.

[@agmacdonald]

I never thought of Miss Saeki as an ageless spirit, but that's a really interesting take.

[@lottatee6112]

A. G. Macdonald it’s a possibility especially when you take the painting into account.

[@yashaswinich99]

I like to think that Ms Saeki, Nakata and Kafka represent the times they live in- the last, the present and the future respectively. Ms Saeki is living in a world of memories- in the past. Nakata, only knows to live in the moment- the present. Kafka is constantly haunted by what might transpire in the future- living the horrors of his prophecied future.

[@cliterally]

​@@yashaswinich99this is a great take

[@jiminssocks1220]

What's weird is the combination of sex with the story and the fact that we never learn Kafka's birth name. I usually don't talke theories coz I am not able to think in theories. I took the story by the incidents and lessons and the theme of metaphors. Like how Oshima and Kafka discussed metaphors. The theme of music is also interesting, most of it being classical music. The boy named Crow is a perfect mystery since I vaguely remember a part of the book stating Kafka meant crow. İt's interesting too how Sakura said they wouldn't meet again when he slept with her (in the dream) but they did anyway. But maybe that changed because Kafka changed. I believed Johnnie Walker was Mr. Tamura because of what Nakata said about a fifteen year old boy supposed to to do it. Kafka acts wayy more mature than his age. İt sometimes feels like he had to run away for all of this to happen. But it also felt like things didn't go e X a c t ly as it was supposed to. Time is another weird thing. Nakata and Mr. Hoshino literally NEVER come across Kafka even tho they could have several times. Like they even visited the library Kafka was staying at but right AFTER he left. Though these people are connected they did not get a chance to meet. Only Oshima and Miss Saeki had the chance to meet both sides. Nakata is the hardest to figure out to me, why he was the way he is will be an unsolved question but Mr. Hoshino's statement about a parasite night be true. I feel that, more than anything else, what happened taught everyone a lesson. Lessons that humans in general do need. All of the things they were learning were very much connected to the real world, isn't that strange? The cats aren't explained properly either but they're very clever in general and I think that's why it's so interesting to see their conversations and actions. İt was also a cat, in the end, that helped Hoshino out. Another unusual factor was the ending. They say once you pass a storm, you're never the same. That was true for Kafka but he returned where he came from as a changed man. I basically read the book simply because Namjoon recommended it. I was unable to find a good recommendations so I'm currently going through the ones Namjoon recommended. I finished Almond a few days aho and had been reading Kafka one the shore since then. (Finished it today) This story is a mystery. I feel like the author just let the ideas flow without overthinking it or trying to make sense of it. Nothing in life makes sense. That's why this story is a masterpiece.

[@agmacdonald]

It truly is a masterpiece, and thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on it.

[@syd4366]

LMFAO I GOT THE BOOK A WHILE AGO CAUSE NAMJOON RECOMMENDED IT😭😭 i just got around to reading it tho

[@vminkook5715]

Me too. I read and think Namjoon read what I am reading now.

[@chetnasoni1705]

Johnie walker cannot be Mr. Tamura, for Nakata himself said that Johnie Walker used his body to kill Mr. Tamura in place of a 15 year old.

[@tahmidmusa2197]

I also read it because of Namjoon's recommendation,💜💜💜💜💜

[@jagcf]

I remember that the incident with the school teacher and the innocent children on the school trip, hit me hard. I think that part was actually scary to read about 😭It was so unsettling!

[@agmacdonald]

It's all kind of unsettling.

[@afiyaqureshi8351]

Omg same! Shook me to the core.

[@karmak.5810]

This book was THE book that got me reading again.

[@agmacdonald]

It's amazing. And there's so much more to discuss, which is why I'm going back and analysing the book chapter by chapter in an eleven part series in early 2021!

[@karmak.5810]

@@agmacdonald I look forward to it! 😍

[@tripzonyt]

SAME, finished it 2 hours ago

[@user-rf4vc7mt4d]

@@tripzonyt LITERALLY ME, FINISHED IT AN HOUR AGO

[@agmacdonald]

Thoughts?

[@maythawdaroo458]

Can't believe I read the entire comment section looking for clues. XD Some theories are so interesting, including this video! (Don't ask me for mine. I am just a clueless soul here.) When I first read this book, I was really bored and impatient. But gosh, the story took a wild turn! One brain cell died after each chapter and my brain probably melted when I finished the book. This is my first Murakami book and I must say I am going to read it again to enjoy the story even more!

[@agmacdonald]

It is a great book. It was my first Murakami a couple of years ago, and I haven't been disappointed by him since.

[@maythawdaroo458]

@@agmacdonald Very much looking forward to reading more of his books too! :)

[@eshwarcharan3654]

I just finished reading it n u cleared a lot of my doubts n ur theory really makes sense so might sleep on this theory for now

[@agmacdonald]

I'd love to hear any theories you have, too.

[@tofulabs]

No joke when I lived in Takamatsu where the story takes place, I did try looking for the library. No success but it was incredibly fun to see the local places mentioned in person while reading the book.

[@agmacdonald]

That sounds amazing. I hope someday to go on a bit of a Murakami tour.

[@tofulabs]

@@agmacdonald I highly recommend Takamatsu and the whole island of Shikoku. It's a wonderful city and it's close to Kochi for amazing mountainsides. Another city has the oldest hot spring, and in August there's a giant dance festival called Odori. Not to mention the legendary island of the ogres in the story Momotaro is a 15 min. boat ride away and the art museum island is another 15 min. with original van Gogh water lilies.

[@HollyGoLightly01]

I think before hearing Murakami's explanation that you mentioned, I had a very different take on the book. I came to the conclusion that Kafka was the ONLY existing character. A very lost boy who suffered from abandonment and abuse(?). "Crow" was a split in his personality that allowed him to function and carry on. All of the other characters fulfill Kafka's needs in some way, no matter how strange or twisted. Crow makes him stronger, Oshima , Miss Saeki, Nakata, etc represent "possible" directions Kafka's life could have ventured if he fully split apart and rather, lost his mind. Along this adventure he drifts in and out of reality and ultimately ends up a whole being and a more mentally adept one.

[@agmacdonald]

That's something I love about this book. There are so many interpretations. Love it.

[@micro1243]

This was my first Haruki Murakami book, and am I the only one who felt as if someone was following me or watching me read from afar. Kinda felt like if I were to put my book down someone would be there watching lol.

[@agmacdonald]

I am currently reading House of Leaves, and that kinda gives me those vibes. You should totally read that one and let me know how you go.

[@emmawatima1704]

Haha. I started sleeping with my lights on bc I didn't want to wake up to a 15 yr old spirit seated on my chair staring at my paintings 😅😅 Loved it.

[@munbimu]

That happened to me with my firsts Murakami books. Not anymore tho :')

[@daisy1587]

I think that Nakata lost his soul when he fell into the coma, and the soul of a cat came into his body and took his place, which is why he can speak to cats- remember in the book at one point they let a cat into the hospital room to be with the unconscious body, so the soul could have slipped in then. Also that’s explains why Nakata gets along so well with cats, and many cats he encounters think he is wise/ not stupid.

[@agmacdonald]

I think you might be right.

[@sarahthegreat2593]

Then why can Hoshino talk to cats

[@himanshujain2811]

Hoshino has Nakata's soul for the time being.

[@mayaikegami786]

A small theory I have: Nakata inherited Johnny Walker’s spirit after killing him which explains why he couldn’t speak to cats after. It also explains the parasite that comes out of Nakata which is a manifestation of the evil Johnny walker was planning. When Nakata died, Hoshino said something along the lines of “a piece of you will live on inside me”. Perhaps Hoshino inherits Nakata spirit, or a piece of it, which is why he is able to talk to that cat which ultimately gave him the advice that prevents the evil parasite from going in the stone.

[@eshaguha2874]

This is one of my favourite interpretations read so far! Thanks!

[@micahlawrence8684]

Just finished this book yesterday. This is a great explanation of the spirit jumping that is referenced throughout the book that I haven't really seen in other discussions on Reddit, etc. I also thought about Spirited Away a lot while reading this. Unlike Chihiro, who after her journey is ready to face her move with bravery, I feel that Kafka goes through the journey, and though more whole with his full shadow, he doesn't exactly change. He fulfilled the prophecy and just ends up coming back home to return to his life before everything happened. There were a few references to books that Kafka read where the protagonist (like the coal mine story) goes through a journey, comes out the other side and goes back to normal life - not completely changed.

[@agmacdonald]

I totally agree with that assessment.

[@me-myself-and-i2254]

1. Nakata: My interpretation of Nakata waking up with no memory and being able to read write,,etc is that everybody who fell on the grass got their soul back. except Nakata, who gets a new fresh soul unaware of the surrounding or maybe, he gets a cat's soul. That's why he is able to speak to other cats? 2. When Kafka tries to kill him self in the woods, his should goes to the world which is in between the eternal life and the real world we live in. however, he goes back and saves himself as requested by his mom. he drinks her blood and doesn't look back. 3. Kafka's dad soul was trapped , he was unable to get to the eternal world where he would meet his wife (Saeki?). that's why he tried desperately to be killed by any means for his transition. But i don't think it worked. he seemed to know a lot about spirits (could explain Johnny walker - spirits?) and the other worlds . he knows for some reasons that taking all the souls from cats could grant him something, and all he needed eventually was to be killed for his transition. maybe due to him not being a good person (though not really sure-other than cats murdering of course) he gets trapped. also, when something was coming out of Nakata's s dead body , I think it had to do with stopping the power that kafka's dad was trying o have over the world of spirits which he prepared for by making the flutes. So, the cat sent the message clearly to the bus driver (forgot his name) to make sure that he'll stop it by killing the weird thing coming out of Nakata's body. 4.KFC First, this man made me hungry. Second of all, when he said he is nobody with no name and came only to facilitate a mission. I interpreted that as someone who came from the eternal world. But someone with power to make things. Like God of Haruki's imaginary world. 5. Saeki I guess it was pretty obvious she was Kafka's mom. What I don't understand is what were the consequences of Saeki turning the stone. But I do think she wanted to die with her boyfriend or at least their spirit to transit to the eternal world. However, she got stuck. She can't kill herself as it won't work. Same reason why Johnny walker didn't want to kill him self because it won't transit his soul. That's what I personally think. crazy book ,but was a really good one

[@agmacdonald]

Such a good book, and a nice interpretation too. 😊

[@saifulhaque9667]

Nice interpretation.... Though I think colonel sanders must be...jhonny walker's spirit....

[@gokul_ml]

Haruki Murakami is a genius. I read it a year ago. But I still have the vivid memory of all the scenes.

[@rubydoo3307]

I found so many incredible quotes in this book, and I love going back and reading over these quotes over and over again.

[@agmacdonald]

It is a phenomenal book. Have reread it myself a few times. Always something new to find in it.

[@PizzahutCrocodile]

Here is what I like to add. The soldiers talked about cutting open someone's guts and how guts can be seen as some sort of maze. He swallow his mother's blood back at the end of the world. This weird salamander thing comes out of nakata where it was murdered because the entrance stone was closed. The way the soldiers advise him to attack forst or his guts will be cut open can be attributed as advise to the salamander spirit that leaves nakata since they are both leaving a place thst lives essentially deep inside themselves. So there is an inner connection between his mother's blood thst he swallowed, his soul inside of Nakata manifesting as spirit or her spirit being birthed through nakata which is her son.... stay with me. My guess of what it means is looking inwards can be a magical meaningful ride but much like the library life is not a metaphor. At one point you have to live it or else be doomed to be trapped in an endless maze of introspection.

[@agmacdonald]

Love that take on it. Thanks for sharing.

[@nongfarang6959]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! I totally thought about spirited away as I was reading, especially the part where kafka was told not to “look back”...this video cleared up a looot of confusion that I had. I just finished reading this book a few days ago, I loved it!

[@agmacdonald]

It's such a Japanese style of storytelling.

[@monisha244]

My theory: While Nakata as a child took out the blood stained towel.. he happened to move a stone thereby opening it(could be entrance stone since its mentioned the stone could be anywhere) Therefore the children soon after went unconscious.. just my theory

[@monisha244]

Another theory: The prophecy is kind of a family curse; So technically Kafka's parents could be siblings. Therefore Ms Saeki abandoned kafka and his father soon after she came to know the truth.(kafka's sister was adopted)

[@agmacdonald]

I love these theories. 😍

[@monisha244]

Your videos are awesome❤️ Waiting for the second video in the Kafka on the shore series

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. Hopefully, it'll be out soon.

[@atwill1999]

I totally forgot about the bloody towels. I really think you nailed it

[@aurelia160]

I have read this book, but I had no idea what was really going on, so I just stopped trying to make theories at a certain point hahaha This is an interesting theory, though, it makes a lot of sense!

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. I'm glad it could make a little more sense.

[@TheCsePower]

Well I don’t blame you, the author did not really try to explain anything...

[@aurelia160]

@@TheCsePower That's the thing I like about Murakami hahaha

[@nternetrat]

yeah literally whatever was going on it was entertaining so I didn't mind lol

[@jagrutibandaru3329]

I just finished reading this book. It was... definitely a different experience. There were some aspects of the book that didn't sit right with me but your explanation has it made it understandable. I do wonder if that library exists

[@agmacdonald]

Interesting take. I'd like to hear more on that.

[@aninditadas8113]

Thank you so much for explaining this so simply. I just finished reading it. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. And I really love your animation style.

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. Glad I could help.

[@ishikasinha5082]

I just finished reading this crazy book and man, your interpretation has helped me a lot. Atleast I'll not sleep with my brain cells dying to get answers to all the questions now. Thank you 💕

[@ItalianHerbandDeez]

So glad you posted this, it definitely cleared up some confusion I had. I tried to explain this book to my husband and he thought I was messing with him. I absolutely loved it.

[@agmacdonald]

I have the same trouble it's so hard to explain, but it's so good.

[@k.alexandria1700]

When I read this book ten years ago I was 24, and my life had experienced a time-line shift, who I met during that time changed my life forever, in a way I feel like I became more alive, more aware, like I wasn’t truly myself before.. this book left me feeling both in awe and uneasy for what I couldn’t understand. The riddles overwhelmed me in the book as much as the riddles in my own life.

[@FilmyProfessor]

I was at a loss after I finished this book...kinda after finishing a colorful shroom trip...the theory put a lot of things into context...thanks for this...time to think more or possibly read it again..

[@agmacdonald]

Good luck with the reread! 😉

[@oc_vatsal_1197]

I guess I’m one of many but Mr Nakata made me giggle, laugh, made me cry, I felt sad for him. I wasn’t prepared for his death, thought it would be another sleepathon yet, it wasn’t. I guess there’s things to learn from him. I guess he really did find a way to be ‘normal Nakata’ again. When he asks “can nothingness increase?” Maybe it’s him asking himself that if he could really grow or become something important. I’m so confused as to what the white object in 1945, was it the same as what Hoshino killed. Where his Nakatas other half of the shadow. How were both Nakata and Kafka connected.

[@yoshitasood8729]

I just finished the book, you cleared up all the confusion I had regarding the book. Thank you for this video!

[@agmacdonald]

So glad I could help.

[@trailtales97TV]

Thank you for this lucid explanation! This book was an experience in itself. Loved the way the mannerisms of the characters were described (even Oshima's brother).

[@agmacdonald]

It's a really interesting book. I am going back in early 2021 and starting an 11 part chapter by chapter breakdown if you're interested.

[@trailtales97TV]

@@agmacdonald that'll be really nice! I bet a lot of people will be awaiting a detailed analysis of this masterpiece.

[@agmacdonald]

It's been fun to put together so far.

[@hashemmiro7005]

reading kafka on the shore is an extremely intimate and special experience. we get to see kafka and nakata, who kind of have similar paths that connect, without them ever getting to know each other. its like they're living in different worlds since they lived like really closely to each other and never met. its like kafka and nakata are living in different worlds, knowing they have a goal, just sometimes they NEED to do. its like they're trying to meet even though they don't know the othrt person.

[@agmacdonald]

😊😊😊

[@harshpatil3827]

I think the scene when boy named crow kills rather vandalises soul of johnny walker took place while Kafka was returning from the forest. because as we see crow serves as alter ego of Kafka, a more mature version of Kafka and Kafka says he has no memory of returning from forest.

[@dooobodoo7980]

I was thinking the same thing.Glad I am not the only one.

[@WilliamProGaming]

I just finished the book, and I feel like there is a theme of living in the past, present and future (not literally). Miss Saeki was definitely living in the past, missing the life she had with her boyfriend. She seems to struggle finding any meaning with her present (and future) life. She also writes down her memories, as that may be the only thing she finds meaningful, and once she has finished writing all the memories downs, she passes (maybe because the memories she has written down has reached the present time?). Nakata I believe is living in the present. He has no memory, therefore he cannot remember anything from the past. He is not very bright, therefore he cannot theorize about the future. He is stuck with what is present, and he never knows what to do until it becomes obvious to him, in the present. Finally, Kafka lives in the future, or rather for the future. He seems to longing for an escape from the life he has lived and is living, hoping that the future might solve things for him. He constantly tries to escape his past, which is chasing him in many different ways, and he never gets to be content in the present. In the end however, he realizes that the only thing that may stop the past from chasing him is to take it by its horns and face it, returning back to his home in hopes of getting through the present to live a better future. I am still confused about many things in the book, but this theory of the theme of time is one that just makes sense for me. Great video by the way! :)

[@Preski96]

This helped me make sense of the creature that came out of Nakata before Hoshino closed the entrance stone. I believe it was Johnny Walker's manifestation attempting to do whatever evil thing he had said to the boy named crow in the forest village before the crow attacked. My reasoning here is that Johnny Walker must have inhabited Nakata after Nakata stabbed him to death, shown in how Nakata lost the ability to speak to cats after that. It wasn't until Nakata died that Johnny Walker could make his move and leave the body, seeking the entrance stone. Hoshino basically double-tapped Johnny Walker when he killed the creature that came out of Nakata. Like you said, different solutions for different people, but this is what clicked in my head for some reason after watching this. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@justme4037]

Whaaaaaat???? I thought I understood the story but this explanation connected aspects of the plot I hadn't thought about at all. Thanks :)

[@agmacdonald]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnyg8806]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@agmacdonald]

So glad you enjoyed it. I also have a new longer series coming out about the book in December if you're interested. It's up for premiere now if you wanted to sign up to watch when it releases.

[@johnsundermeyer9085]

I absolutely loved reading this book - just hearing about it makes me happy. Thank you for your video

[@agmacdonald]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jyliu6023]

Just finished this story and looking for answers to the so many questions in my head, this is by far the best i've ever come across. The understanding of the body and spirit existing on parallel is the key, but I'm still trying to put all the pieces together. Looking forward to the series!

[@agmacdonald]

There are so many pieces to put together. I've started an episode by episode deep-dive. Episode One is already up. 😊

[@shubhamh7451]

I've stopped LOOKING for anything in murakami's books. I simply read to friggin enjoy and COOK delicious meals and probably sip some wine(cheers to all the dining table scenes from his books). I've been reading 1q84 for the past few months, and unending mf story, but still continuing it cuz i enjoy it knowing fully that the end won't be satisfactory.

[@agmacdonald]

I think the key to understanding and enjoy his novels is knowing that you may not have all the answers and being okay with that. But I love to hear your process with reading these books.

[@dhikapratama4095]

When I first read it I basically just adore how Murakami write this books. It sounds really bias but I really like his style of writing. Idk how to say it but he can write complex thing clearly. I also like how he describes the setting in detail so I as a reader can get "pulled" to the world of this book. That's it. Basically I just accept the fact that this book is so weird and I'm vibing with it without actually understand why the f this things happen hahahaha

[@agmacdonald]

I think vibing it is really the only way to get through the initial read through.

[@JuliaCharlotteAyumi]

My theory differs a bit. For me there were 3 times the stone was flipped (at least in the book). The first one was when the soldiers got lost in the mountains and also coincidences with the time Nakata enters his coma and loses his soul. The second was when Mrs Saeki was 15, which generated most of the abnormalities such as Nakata killing Johnnie Walker later in life instead of Kafka (also the Johnnie Walker spirit could have started to habit Mr. Tamura body at this time). And the last one, open and closed by Hoshino. Kafka Tamura having the same soul as the other Kafka can also be an abnormalitie caused by the second flipping of the stone.

[@agmacdonald]

That's one thing I love about this book. I love how people's interpretations differ drastically.

[@lilacfairies]

do you mean there's 2 kafka? didnt miss saeki said that was him in the painting?

[@JuliaCharlotteAyumi]

@@lilacfairies it's been a cople months since read, but I thought there were two Kafkas. The first one, Miss Saeki's love from her youth, the boy that died in the university conflict, the one who was in the painting. The second one is Kafka Tamura, the boy that runs away and ends up in the library with the now older Miss Saeki. Maybe both of them have the same soul, if it's possible in this universe a soul inhabit another body after its first death (or it wasn't supposed to be possible, but it's an abnormality caused by the flipping of the stone by Miss Saeki), that's why she says Kafka Tamura (aka the second one) is in the painting made from the first Kafka. That's just my opinion, I love how this book throws us into some crazy discussions.

[@wrogercarlisle]

Nakata’s story is told in the third person.....He does not live his own life..... He is a codependent. He is taken over by the spirit of Miss Saeki when they are on the mushroom hunt early in the book. Miss Saeki has lost her spirit to Nakata, to depression, and the inability to grieve........Kafka does not actually rape Sakura-he rapes her in a dream and is acting under the control of Miss Saeki............the rape occurs in his subconscious......the forest is a labyrinth of trees which is his subconscious......the branches of trees extend over the bed while he disrobes Sakura in his dream. At the end of the story Kafka reclaims his spirit before the entrance stone blocks the entrance to the subconscious or spirit world.

[@lesliesiembieda3411]

Thanks so much! We are reading this book for our book club! Truly appreciate your analysis 😉🙏Brilliant! I lived in Japan but had so much trouble navigating this book. I love the author’s writing style. Now I will try again.

[@agmacdonald]

The good news is I'm currently working on a deep dive into the series that will give my interpretation on the book as well as some historical and literary contexts to understand the text better. Hope it will help.

[@Kikilang60]

Thanks. Libraries will open soon. First book I'm going to get.

[@agmacdonald]

Excited to hear your thoughts.

[@Yogeshkumar-xi7vz]

I was hoping that somehow old Nakata makes a mistake or Hoshino out of curiosity didn’t burn Miss Saeki’ writings. The more I read the more badly I wanted that to happen. Miss Saeki’s story would have answered a lot of questions. But it is Murakami. He isn’t very fond of answers….

[@annybitsian08]

Just finished reading. Your video helps me understand it much better ! Blown away by the writing of Murakami as it was my first book of his.

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. It was my first too

[@Enhafun]

Towards the ending I thought it was going to be a dream, kafka just passed out on some local bus in his own city and dreamt the whole happenings in the book as is. But then the nakata story wouldn't have made any sense, so this theory I do agree could be a close description! It's interesting how your explanation pieced most things together for me!

[@adarshtiwari7395]

I've read the book and I'm pretty confused what to feel about it. It's the first HM book I've read. The best part was it transported me to a world full of surprises and I loved that. I loved Mr. Nakata. however many questions were left unanswered and that is why I can't decide whether I fully engaged with the book and it's characters or not

[@agmacdonald]

Hi, I have a new video series coming out in December that might hopefully shed more light on the situation. It is set for a premiere, so if you wanted to chat with me about the book while it is playing, please head over to my channel and click the notify button and we can chat while the video is premiered.

[@karandhaliwal3907]

i’ve just finished the book like half an hour ago and i found this video 🎉

[@filipedonatti8872]

Geniousness comes when one creates beyond himself. Miss Saeki, a muse which birthed inspiration to Hurakama’s story, must fulfill her duty as nurturer, and the meta characters are the self awareness of the writer as he knows he needs devices to move the story forward. Kafka is the innocent process and the conclusion in itself, of writing a book.

[@agmacdonald]

I love hearing other people's interpretations of the book.

[@annonymously1778]

I think the KFC guy was actually Nakata's soul because he only appears when Nakata's in sleep slumber!

[@ziggythomsen3436]

2 Minutes in, and i have come to the realization i need to reread this book, and then come back to this video. It was my first Murakami book and the start of my love for his books. Have not expirienced another auther who has managed to suck me into his books like he has. There is just something about his writing that just instantly hooks me and i can barely get myself to put down his books. I'll go, Just one more page, and i'll go to bed. 2 hours later and im still reading. And now its almost 1 am, and im concidering starting reading it again immediately. But then i wont get to bed at all tonight, so better wait untill tomorrow. Definatly have put this video and the chapters series on watch later, and will come back when im done. Might even read a chapter and then watch a part of the series. Think it could be a fun way of doing it. Im really excited to get to read this again.

[@agmacdonald]

I am currently rereading and I would thoroughly recommend it.

[@passangbhutia9404]

"Nakata is not so bright" that's how i feel now it's quite abstract trying to put together what I just finished reading minutes ago

[@agmacdonald]

This is the only feeling after finishing the book for the first time.

[@evaddave1453]

I dont know much about the ending but some things really hit home and it was a great experience and transition were so smooth.when reading story from multiple facets it I always feel like gosh I want to see other part soon.But this was so different I started out liking Kafka side but man hashina and nakatos bond got me boy stick to him till end

[@agmacdonald]

It's such an amazing book. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I loved to hear people talking about Murakami.

[@yoshikagekira6683]

Kafka on the Shore had me crying in the end. I cried during Norwegian Wood but unlike this book it just broke me down

[@agmacdonald]

That is a glowing review if ever I heard one.

[@Zouteregenboogmelk]

Ofcource time is a bendable thing in the book, but I nonetheless wanted to remark this: Miss Saeki was something like 52 in the present of the book. And she was 20 when she opened the entrance stone. so that's about 32 years ago. Nakata is a man in his sixties, say 65, and had that accident happen to him at around the age of 10. so that's like 55 years ago. so the rice bowl hill incident happened before Miss saeki opened the entrance stone.

[@agmacdonald]

Yes, but what I mean is if time isn't linear in the story, she could go back to a time before she turned over the stone. It might not be the best explanation l, but it's how I justify it. 😄😄😄

[@khanhlinhvu1479]

My first time I read Kafka On The Shore, I tried my best to understand what HM want to express, things that hided under those beautiful words but I can't. It feel like sitting in a train and see the beautiful view elapsing through the window, I will read it again soon, maybe next month, I've just finished it yesterday, amazingggg

[@khanhlinhvu1479]

Sorry for my bad English, hope you can understand, I'm trying to learn English too, next time I will read HM books in English>

[@agmacdonald]

Truly amazing book, and I would love to hear your thoughts if you re-read the book.

[@silviaberecka5469]

Kafka on the shore was my first Murakami book, and I have to say I was a bit disappointed at first. Everyone described it to me as this magical, surrealistic work, but I think I'm just way too used to fiction/surrealism, so it didn't appear as magical or weird to me, at least not as much as I expected. I had an easy time accepting and following everything that happened, I was like, okay, that's how the author wrote it so that's how it is, just a plain fact, nothing more to that. Some old dude talking to cats and then killing another weird dude? Sure, why not, good for him, it's all perfectly normal and real. This has also prevented me from being able to treat everything as a metaphor, or a "riddle", as described by Murakami, I had no need to think about the events, characters or their actions. Overall it was a really fun read, and thanks for explaining the entrance stone shenanigans, I wasn't quite paying as much attention to it in the book😅also yes I am in love with Oshima now, and I will shamelessly look for some fan fiction😌

[@agmacdonald]

Oshima is a terrific character. 😊

[@falserizufferezek9394]

I just discobered your channel. The production value is really good, man, definitely deserve more subs.

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks so much. Any support for the channel is greatly appreciated. I am premiering a new multi-part series in December that will break down the novel on a much deeper level if you're interested.

[@kylemagley6960]

it's also a story of kafka finding a replacement family. he finds a new sister and mother. oshima replaces the boy named crow as a mysterious advisor. nakata is the most interesting case because he kills and replaces kafka's father, but he is just as absent to kafka as his real father was. i also always got the impression the teacher is the cause the children passing out. she discusses having an irregular period that day (often associated with the onset of "powers") after a particularly vivid sex dream. kid nakata found the rags she used and because she was so embarrassed she sort of set off a psychic bomb, knocking all the children out, but effecting nakata the most.

[@agmacdonald]

I really like that interpretation. Thanks for sharing.

[@wrogercarlisle]

THANKS for your amazing and complex tutorial on KAFKA ON THE SHORE...Your explanation of spirits is insightful and spot on.... What we would call a “Jungian Mother Complex” is what Murakami would call an invasive mother spirit.....THANKS

[@agmacdonald]

Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@alexiaivan7708]

I also think that it helps if you don’t look at it in a generic way. One should read it at face value. It’s truly a riveting story.

[@agmacdonald]

Agreed.

[@lucideyes7474]

The main riddle is the relationship between kafka and miss Saeki and that's what the whole novel is about. It is being said that the father of kafka prophesied the boy will be destined to kill his father, sleep with his mother and with sister too kind of. Just like Greek tragedies where man is the puppet of Fate it seems to be the thing in the novel too. She, at that time, opened the stone and pledged to be forever bound to her beloved across space and time. During the process miss Saeki lost half of her soul as well as her beloved lost half of his soul. Nakata is actually dead and acted as a vessel where the half soul of miss Saeki's lover got into and had no memory. It is same for the 15 year old miss Saeki too who had no memory too which is evident from the conversation between Kafka and 15 year old girl. They are just two souls living in utter volatility. Nakata's main objective is to turn everything into order. When nakata and miss Saeki met their communion was complete and both had to die. Miss Saeki, later, in course of time, got along in a marriage too and thats where kafka born. Just as the Fate calls forth the two(miss Saeki and her lover) can't be separated. This is where her lover(the rest half of the soul) reincarnated as kafka also her child in this world. It is pretty much evident from these lines when miss Saeki asks kafka who he is. Quoting the book "you tell her she must know who you are. I'm Kafka on the Shore, you say. Your lover-and your son. The boy named crow. And the two of us cant be free" And mind you, Kafka is not his real name. It's his chosen one. The boy in the painting is Kafka(his previous life) quoting the book " you were there. and i was beside you, watching you. On the shore, a long time ago......." Just making sure everything falls in order. Its strange how parallel dimensions merge into each other making everything weird and outlandishly meaningful. I also can't explain the encounter of Crow and Johnnie Walker in some limbo world. Also i can't explain the slimy monster that came out of Nakata's mouth. I guess i am not that bright just like Nakata although I don't have a knack talking with cats.

[@yuri_30]

That's a pretty solid theory

[@tiagolourenco8224]

After reading the book years ago and watching your explanation and others in the comments it would be interesting to read it again. I am about to start reading the Norwegian Wood and will jump to this one again afterwards. Anyway, I really enjoy your theory, thanks for the video!!

[@agmacdonald]

I have to admit, Norwegian Wood is one I am yet to read. Maybe I'll dive into that one soon.

[@rijutajoshi]

I believe that almost every character related to the task was eventually or fed up or.perhaps accepted the fact that everything was decided for them which maybe the reason why Miss Saki chose to have sex with Kafka like a revenge porn or.something like that. Oshima knew about that because he believed in Jonny Walker's theory or maybe just kafka. He might have expected something like that happening. Probably because he knew about the spirit. Nakata who was living on almost the other side of the world yet related also started to question fate and purpose of life as his death was near. Hishiomo followed. Maybe the whole story was a metaphor . Everything was real but no-one was ready to accept it the way it came. There are chances the cats are god or the gateway to the other world.

[@agmacdonald]

Interesting theories.

[@rohanguhathakurta1178]

When I first read this book, I thought the entrance stones were magical time machines, and Nakata was a future version of Kafka that went 60 years in the past and he lost his mental faculties on the way. Boy this video clears all of that up, Jesus.

[@kat-gz5ki]

I just finished reading this and wow I was definitely affected by it, in a good way, just not sure in what way exactly. I think the longer I reflect on it, the more meaning I’ll take from it. but im a firm believer that stories don’t always need to have some grand message in order to touch you deeply. After I finished reading I sat thinking for a minute and then I immediately felt like I had to discuss the book with someone, so I found this! Great video, I agree that everyone’s interpretation is bound to be different and I think Murakami intended it to be this way. When I was reading it was clear to me that the spirit of Miss Saeki’s lover was in Kafka’s body, but I never considered that Kafka’s spirit might be in Nakata’s body. Makes a lot of sense considering Nakata’s actions in the book and how Kafka wasn’t sure whether or not he had really killed his father.

[@agmacdonald]

So glad you enjoyed it. I am planning a deep dive going through about 5 chapter at a time, which will be coming out in early 2021.

[@kat-gz5ki]

@@agmacdonald awesome, can't wait! subscribed :)

[@itsvital9572]

7:43 you proposed Ms. Seoki first opens the entrance stone to unite with her lover and that causes nakata to loose his consciousness but as far as I read in the book ms Seoki was her fifties and nakata was in his late sixties..... When the incident at Hill happened, Ms Seoki wasn't even born!

[@agmacdonald]

Hi there, so I have further thoughts which go into greater detail to understand my interpretation of the novel. I have a multi-part series coming out in December that should hopefully shed more light on this. The first Episode is uploaded for premiere now if you're interested.

[@TheCsePower]

My theory is that Nakata’s teacher and Kafka initially got infected by a parasite that aliens use for mind control. The virus causes hallucinations and explains all the nonsense that happens XD. Then the parasite got transmitted to other people as these two got in contact with them. Notice that people only started hallucinating after they met Nakata’s teacher or kafka. Also the parasite’s final form is the slimy blob thing at the end. And it explains the ufo in the beginning.

[@agmacdonald]

Never thought of it like that, but I like it.

[@haya6047]

After watching the video my inital inpoint of view is this: When Saeky opened the "portal" Nakata went through but he didn't stay on the other side entirely, therefore he loses some of himself & that's why he has a "half shadow" and as explained later that's why he could talk to cats bc at the "edge" all creatures talk the same. Now we have Kafka, crow and Nakata kinda the same "spirit" if you will. That's why Kafka woke up with blood on his shirt & that's why Nakata remembered being on the beach when he was a little boy. It's all connected. Crow is like the dark side, Nakata is the simple innocent side and Kafka is like the shell. When the door had opened again and Nakata died he reunited with Kafka, as the little girl told Kafka that he's gonna be complete soon or sth like that. Colonel Sanders seemed to me like he's the spirit of Kafaka's father actually, as he wanted Nakata to open the portal in order for him to go on to the other side, as we know he did want to die. Miss Saeky had the same problem as Kafka. She wasn't complete, a part of her "the little girl" wasn't with her. Maybe that's what Oshima meant when he first introduced Kafka to her and said that she has a weird habit or sth. I just read the book and that's my first perspective but I'm pretty sure it won't stop at this. It was truly one hell of a book.

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks for sharing.

[@justkidding199]

Great theory that I think makes a lot of sense; thank you!

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks. I have a new series I'm working on at the moment which should dive into things a little deeper than before. Hopefully, you enjoy it. 😊

[@kaylat618]

thank you for this! i’m a bit late to reading this and it is my first Murakami book as well. i really enjoyed it and was completely drawn in but definitely had difficulty understanding everything and needed some help 🙏🙏

[@minguyen9143]

I just finished this book. I love it! I feel like I understand the whole storyline, however, till the last pages i found out i completely lost. So now here i am, try to read other opinions XD

[@agmacdonald]

That's a totally normal response to this book. haha

[@uliyatsybulka]

Just finished the book! Was reading it slowly at first but after the Macbeth moment I couldn’t stop! Weird and wonderful, that’s a perfect way to describe it! I think this book makes it easier to understand his other books like Sputnik Sweetheart and Dance, Dance, Dance; the symbolism in it.

[@thv5098]

I feel like I've urgent need to meet the most intellectual character oshima.. Now I've finished the book,I'm thinking of rereading it to correlate with theory. Thanks to u, I finally found the perfect explanation to this weird but most interesting novels I've read.

[@agmacdonald]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I will be running a chapter by chapter deep dive in early 2021 if you were interested. 😊

[@thv5098]

@@agmacdonald sure. ✌

[@SomeOne-qf2ey]

My theory is that everything in the novel is in flux. Time, dreams, methaphors, and reality. Nakata already had the accident before miss saiki was born or she was still a todler. But what causes the accident was miss saiki when she opend the entrace stone everything was in flux because of that time didnt work how it supposed to be and the accident on owanyama occourd and theirs souls started changing places But nakata lost his soul or a part of it. And thats what caused the events in the story to occour.

[@agmacdonald]

That's the only way I can justify my interpretation of the story.

[@PB1997.]

explanation: (no spoilers) weird things happen in the story in each chapter that don't make any sense, you think that will make sense at last but the ending becomes weirder than you can think of and the story leaves you in shock without any explanation.

[@manasijadhav830]

You explained it so well... Just completed this book and this is one of the awesome book I have read😊

[@agmacdonald]

So glad you enjoyed the book and the video. ☺

[@kenzasebti6551]

They didn't do explain how the war and the B-29 plane affected Nakat's memories . What was the reason?

[@agmacdonald]

To me, the memory loss was the result of the spirit shifting.

[@jonahcumings3700]

yeh I think that it was the soldiers that opened the entrance stone, when the class goes on the mushroom expedition they see a plane, and when oshima talks about the soldiers going missing he says the army searched everywhere for them, I recon that plane they saw was looking for them so I think these two incidents coincide.

[@agmacdonald]

Interesting idea. I'll definitely keep that in the back of my mind as I do my readthrough for the new deep dive series.

[@gclub7424]

this video was definitely helpful in making me understand and love this book even more. thank you

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks for checking it out. I have a new video series coming out in December as a KZbin premiere. If you want to join the premiere, you can find the video on my channel. I would love to see you there to chat about it.

[@paulyname]

I think the answer is in the spirituality. This interior dialogue it's the intuition (also called: the soul or the higher self) the real self and not the ego or the mind, also it's about the The Journey Hero

[@agmacdonald]

Thanks for sharing.

[@priyanshbhatia3445]

The way you explained clears my mind, Otherwise I would have been developing my own sense of the story. But thank you

[@agmacdonald]

I would love to hear your own interpretation of the story.

[@dianadevlin3717]

It's been my favourite of his novels so far

[@agmacdonald]

Mine too. It's amazing!

[@justinarnold4024]

I just finished this book. I was fascinated the whole time. Not sure I totally get it, but I’m okay with that. It was a good time for the most part.

[@agmacdonald]

I would be surprised if anybody told me they fully understood the book after first reading it.

[@ashes2918]

I just finished reading this and I needed a ranting session. I'm just stuck in a bubble rn trying to figure out wtf I just read. I think the stone is the key to a parallel dimension. So when miss Saeki opens up the stone she loses half her soul and Nakata on the other end does also which creates a bridge and causes a collapse in worlds resulting in Kafka being caught in the middle of it. Also, Murakami did emphasise how the soul can leave the body if the will is strong enough and thus causing these characters(Nakata, Miss Saeki and Kafka) to be drawn to the library because the painting is a window/portal between the realms. In some cultures, it's believed that animals can sense souls, cats having nine lives. So along with Nakata being able to talk to cats, he can also sense souls. Jonny walker could be the alter ego of Kafka's father or maybe a wandering spirit who didn't make it over to the afterlife stuck in his body. In Chapter 46 Murakami mentioned limbo which I think was a huge easter egg. So maybe all our characters are in "limbo". The Boy name Crow and Colonel Sanders are traversing spirits that act as guardian spirits for Kafka and Hoshino respectively.

[@agmacdonald]

I like the theory. I love hearing about how other people decode this bizarre mystery.

[@BlaCkBolt160]

I think I found something interesting. The night when kafka was unconscious and later he woke up in some shrine. It must have been that shrine where hosino found that stone. Also kafka stated that he had a ache in his body. Does that mean that he also flipped the stone or someone in his body flipped the stone?