as a Murakami fan (both Hiroku and Ryu), I have to admin that a lot of the feeling of the novels come from the translator. I've been a bigger fan of Birnbaum t

as a Murakami fan (both Hiroku and Ryu), I have to admin that a lot of the feeling of the novels come from the translator. I've been a bigger fan of Birnbaum than Rubin, which led me to attempt to find Birnbaum's translation of Norwegian Wood, hoping that I'd like it better. Unfortunately, no Birnbaum Norwegian Wood for me, but reading Haruki's books put me into an interesting state of enlightenment. Contrasted, Ryu's books bring in a dark whimsical side which is also enchanting.