I've read a lot (but not all) of Murakami books. I hope to get to at least a couple of the ones that I haven't read yet by the end of the year. He is definitely one of my favorite authors...quirky, clever, moody.

So, when I saw this non-fiction work pop up on a list of upcoming releases I jumped all over it. In this short book, author David Karashima discusses how Murakami came to be translated into English and gain popularity. He introduces us to the various translators, editors and publishers who through the past 30 or so years, brought Murakami's books to an English-speaking audience. Murakami's works were written in Japanese and gained some popularity in Japan. we also here of Murakami's time in America when he was on staff at Princeton University and Tufts University.

This book actually not only let me learn more about Murakami but also more about the process of translating a book. It was fascinating to me. I read a good number of books in translation and have always wondered a bit about how they are translated. I recommend this book to any Murakami fan!

Thanks to Soft Skull Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Now available!

Clearheaded and precise, David Karashima's Who We're Reading When We're Reading Murakami presents an often underdiscussed topic in translated international fiction. Hardly anyone who reads literary fiction can claim to not know the name Murakami or be immediately absorbed into his world of Japanese magical realism. However, Murakami, or rather the English translation of Murakami, is not who we think he is. By delving into the world of translators, publishers and editors, Karashima takes the reader into a behind the scenes journey of literary fiction, one that we as readers rarely have the chance to enter. It is fascinating to consider, for example, how the order of the novels published makes an impact on an author's ability to break into the American market, how certain words and characters might be dramatically changed by the slight of the translator's hand and the unknowing, long lasting impact it can have. Karashima makes the journey both accessible and entertaining, at times even drawing on a little bit of Murakami's magic himself.

WHO WE’RE READING WHEN WE’RE READING MURAKAMI by David Karashima is a compelling in depth look at the behind the scenes of bringing the English translations of Haruki Murakami’s early books to the US market.
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I have read and loved several of Murakami’s books so I was immediately interested to read this book. It was really eye opening to learn about all the hard work and passion that went into the English translations of his books. The research and interviews in this book give great insight into the translating and publishing world. It was really enjoyable to read this book which itself is also translated from the Japanese.
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It’s always a true marker for a good book when it inspires you to keep reading. Such is the case with this book. Halfway through reading this book I went to the library to borrow A Wild Sheep Chase.
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I’d definitely recommend this book to Murakami fans!