As much as I enjoyed reading this, it didn't actually have as much writing advice as I was expecting. The essays were still interesting and it was nice to experience Murakami's views of the world. It took me a while to read as a lot of the essays sound quite similar, so I'd recommend picking it up every now and then.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Novelist as a Vocation is a collection of essays that blend memoir, writing advice and musings from the storyteller himself. Murakami argues why should a writer be an artist? Why limit the act of writing to the time when inspiration strikes? _ more in the newsletter

I love Haruki Murakami, and 'Novelist as a Vocation' was my first time reading his non fiction. I found it really fascinating and absorbing, an a huge insight into the mind of a writing and his process. Really enjoyed it.

I'd not read any of Murakami's non-fiction before this, so was intrigued to see how it stands up against his fiction writing. These essays are interesting reading, though I'd love to know if any of the things noted around literary culture have shifted in the time between writing and translation, especially with Japanese literature now being much more widely translated and read. (I think some of the essays are from ~2010, so hopefully!)

Haruki Murakami's books can sometimes be a complex read and I haven't tried any of their non-fiction before so I was a little nervous. I found it an enjoyable read, it did take me a while to complete so it is not one of those books you read within a few days.

Not my usual type of book but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

It is clunky in places but I’m assuming that’s due to the translation and I found it an interesting insight in to the experiences of this author.

I wasn’t viewing it as a practical book about becoming an author, more a memoir.

I love Murakami and his books were the first that really got me into reading. I still remember the local Indy bookshop I bought my much prized copy of the Wind Up Bird Chronicle from, which I still own and which remains a part of my much loved collection . This was a fascinating read and an very intriguing insight into the mind and inspirations of an author I hold with such high regard. I loved this. I already have my own hardback copy of this which I will reference for years to come. This, I recommend for readers and writers alike. It's a fascinating insight into the mind of a seasoned author.

Thank you!

This was my first time reading a non-fiction from the wonderful Murakami, and he writes with as much insight as he does during his fictional offerings. This was an experience to understand the inner workings of an authors mind during the writing process and it was very insightful from start to finish.

I love understanding how great writers work and Murakami has such brilliant insight into his own creative process that this book was among the best of the genre. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of putting pen to paper.

A fascinating insight into the life and work of one of the world’s most widely read novelist.

I have been a fan of Haruki Murakami’s work since I read Kafka on the Shore a good 15 years ago so when I saw this book on Netgalley I was intrigued. I have also dabbled (unsuccessfully) with the idea of novel writing so that also attracted me. In many ways this is like sitting down for a series of chats with an uncle of yours who just happens to be a very successful novelist.
If you are a fan of Murakami’s or would like to get some insight into his process then this book would definitely interest you. If you are looking a writing instruction book however this book may disappoint, I am sure I learned some useful tips but it is not structured in any way that would be particularly practical.
There is also an interesting autobiography of his career, how his work was received in both his native country and abroad. He also berates the Japanese literary establishment and explains why he never appears in public in Japan.

Suitable For:
Sex: none
Violence: none
Drug Reference: only legal
Swearing: none

This is a lovely book to dip in and out of, Murakami comes across as such a nice guy, very humble, lots of lived experience and indirect advice not only about writing but also about how to live your life.

Never having read any Murakami I was intrigued by this novel and I wasn't disappointed. Murakami writes about not only his writing processes but his thoughts and feelings around the subject and I found it a fascinating look
into his personality. An intriguing look into the workings of an author's process and also that of a very interesting man.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

I have a couple of Murakami books sitting on my shelf for the last few years but have yet to read one. This book piqued my interest on Netgalley from the perspective of someone who aspires to write more, and I found it a really interesting and absorbing book.

In a series of essays, Murakami takes us his through his life as a novelist, his approach to writing and creativity, and his thoughts on matters as diverse as originality, nuclear power, education and Japanese society. The essays struck me as very honest and authentic, full of interesting observations.

Murakami breaks down how he goes about writing a novel in painstaking detail, with an emphasis on just how solitary life as a novelist can be. I could not help but think how different life is trying to write with mutiple small children running around the house, compared to that of a person with no children. Notwithstanding that, a discipline is required regardless of one's circumstances and Murakami's approach offers much to inspire, A fascinating read, one I would highly recommend for anyone with an interest in writing. 4/5 stars

Bestselling Japanese author Haruki Murakami is known for avoiding the spotlight, but in this collection of essays, he voices his opinions on aspects of writing, literature awards and the challenges of being a novelist. The end result is an honest and authentic look at the enigmatic writer written in an approachable and conversational tone.

These essays were written between 2010 and 2015, and the collection was only translated into English in 2022. Murakami admits that there’s a large gap between the two different versions and that the essays do not reflect the changes he has experienced over the last seven years, or, to a greater extent, the changes in the world.

Admittedly I enjoy Murakami’s work, which is why I requested this book Non-Murakami readers might find it less appealing, but if you are a writer you will find interesting ideas on originality, the writer’s temperament of a writer, as well as the similarities between a writer and long-distance runner. Murakami's account of the day he decided to become a writer, as well as his unconventional writing method, is particularly noteworthy.

Highly recommended for Murakami fans and aspiring writers.

Whether we like it or not, first impressions mean something. This is why I habitually read every introduction, foreword, prelude, and random quotes an author includes. In the case of Novelist as a Vocation - Don't. Maybe read it afterwards, but not before. Why? Because it's the exact opposite of everything that came afterwards. Those first few pages were dry and uninspiring. As I trudged through it I started to dread what awaited me. "A collection of essays" hung over the sense of what was coming and I was seriously regretting even considering reading this. I put it down after the intro and forgot about it for a couple of days. Then, I decided it was make or break time. I'd give the opening essay a chance to convince me this wasn't going to be a waste of my time. And within a few paragraphs I was hooked! Murakami's personality, so absent in the introduction, shone through with such radiance I felt I was in the room with him, not reading his thoughts, but listening to him by the fireside while he played some of his favourite jazz records. These were the words of a man who knows how to communicate. Once past that hurdle of the introduction, I couldn't put the book down.

As wonderful as reading the book was, I do have one other issue - the title. Although the book does focus on writing, it is more than that. This isn't just about becoming a novelist, this is about living. So many things he covers apply to so many walks of life. He riffs on the rigid structures of education hampering imagination and creativity, yes in terms of writing books, but also in terms of nuclear safety. His approach to writing easily transforms into virtually any skill or task we may face. And it is all delivered in a wonderfully non-judgemental tone. At no point is the tone anything but friendly and informative. There are no instructions on how to write a book here, no right or wrong, simple a man sharing how he does things - a man who does things very well it should be noted. Given his credentials he could be lecturing or authoritative. But that never happens. Everything is a clear personal perspective. An invitation into his world and ways, a chance to watch and learn from a craftsman.

Any collection of writings will always have highs and lows. Even if not on a technical level, we have preferences. Just like every album has songs you prefer over others, or a TV series that has episodes you appreciate more than others, collected writings are the same. They may be connected, but they are also different, and that means some will tickle your fancy more than others do for a potentially huge array of reasons. And In truth, this does happen here too. For me, the earlier, longer essays tend to feel most powerful. The deeper look giving that greater insight into Murakami as a person. There are still great moments to be found in the shorter essays, but they are more focused - the broader looks just have more dimension to them.

This was an amazing read. I would suggest essential for anyone considering writing, or indeed any career change or even recreational dabbling in creativity. I think anyone can find some insight in the essays within this book. Much of it isn't ground-breaking or radical, but rarely has so much good advice been collected in such an accessible form. And if if you do know everything and never need reminding of anything? It's a book written from the heart, and that just makes it a pleasure to read in itself.

Much as I appreciate his novel, I often find Murakami's non-fiction work to be curiously shallow and unengaging. This collection of essays reminded me a lot of another of his books: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, which it overlaps with slightly. For someone who can write in such moving ways, I'm disappointed by his lack of style here and, while he presents lots of interesting thoughts and ideas, nothing is offered of substance.

I have read several of Murakami's books and have enjoyed, been bewildered , intrigued and captivated by his writing so was delighted to get the opportunity to read this collection of essays.

I have been dipping in and out of them over the last month or so and really like the relaxed conversational style of each essay. A fascinating read, loved the essay on the subconscious mind and really admired how hard he works and his dedication to his craft. More of a memoir than a how to but an fantastic insight to a brilliant mind.

One I will definitely return to and I am going to order a copy for my shelves.

This was a joy to read. Across a wide range of themes and decades, Haruki Murakami shares his thoughts on an eclectic and charming range of topics. It's a memoir of what it is to be not just a bestselling literary author, but what it is to be Murakami himself, all delivered in a style that is recognisably feisty, generous, charming and kind.

It is by no means a 'how to' book, and yet it is hard to imagine the writer who wouldn't take away glimmers of hope and inspiration. Similarly, if you enjoy reading Murakami's novels then there are plenty of aha! moments here to help you understand more about why. (And don't you just wish you could go to that jazz club now?!)

With many thanks to both the publisher and Netgalley, for letting me see a review copy of this title.

This is a series of personal essays about the life of a writer written in an easy-going, conversational style. Despite moments of interest, I found the writing quite repetitive and unengaging. I only needed to be told once that he didn’t win a particular literary prize and that he didn’t care - it didn’t bear repeating and a whole essay on the subject. Maybe this is one for hardcore fans, rather than those looking for insight into writing and the business of writing more generally.

This book consists of a series of essays on the author’s thoughts about writing. Informally written they are almost conversational in style. being almost conversational in their style. Murakami reflects on his writing life and states how he prepares for and executes particular tasks, be they writing a full novel or something smaller. An interesting read which I would recommend.