After Dark

Haruki Murakami wrote the novel After Dark, which was published in 2004. Set in Tokyo, the story unfolds over the course of a single night and explores the hidden connections and mysteries that unfold in the city when the sun sets.

The novel follows several characters whose lives intersect during the nighttime hours. The main protagonist is Mari Asai, a young woman who finds herself unable to sleep. She spends her nights in various locations around the city. One night, she enters a small, 24-hour diner where she meets a trombone player named Takahashi. Their encounter sets off a chain of events that draw them into the lives of other characters after dark.

One of these characters is Kaoru, the manager of a "love hotel." She has a troubled relationship with her sister, Eri. Trapped in a deep sleep, Eri dwells in a surreal world. As the night progresses, the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. The characters, haunted with their own fears and desires, confront existential questions.

Murakami's signature style, characterized by a blend of realism and magical realism, is prominent in After Dark . The narrative delves into themes of isolation, loneliness, and the search for connection in a modern, urban environment. Murakami's vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose create a dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing the sense of mystery and haunting beauty.