Murakami is a sarcastic genius who leaves one spellbound through his novels over the years. In this book loneliness of men has been illustrated through seven short stories. Each story talks about the void women generate through their absence and men brood in their own unique ways. A cosmetic surgeon is hit with love. A divorced salesman finds his calling in a jazz bar thus spiraling him into more deeper memories. An actor with a rustic appeal finds solace in his lady driver. A man who is held captive in his own house yet a woman charms her way in by getting his daily dose of food and supplies. A hunched woman captivates a man who is actually a bug. Haruki Murakami explores young love by comparing it to the imaginative phenomenon of a beautiful eight inched Moon made of ice. One of the stories involves a man grappling with his wife’s affair.

This collection helps readers to a certain extent understand the psyche of men and human relationships. The way Murakami mixes satire and sadness is beyond words. His observations are powerful & are etched beautifully. An irresistible read indeed.