1Q84 Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: 1Q84
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Author: Haruki Murakami
ISBN: 9780307593313

1Q84

by Haruki Murakami

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (5):

Readers' Rating (11):

First Published:
Oct 25, 2011, 944 pages

Paperback:
Jan 2013, 1184 pages

Book Reviewed by:
Kim Kovacs
X
- Speculative, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Alt. History
- Asia
- East Asia (except China)
- 1980s & '90s
- Asian Authors
- Strong Women
- Magical or Supernatural
- Magical Realism
Genres & Themes
Publication Information

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About this Book

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Leoš Janáček and our BookBrowse Review of 1Q84.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1Q84 is a vast and intricate novel. What are the pleasures of reading such a long work, of staying with the same characters over such a long period of time?

Murakami has said he is a fan of the mystery writer Elmore Leonard. What elements of the mystery genre does 1Q84 employ? How does Murakami keep readers guessing about what will happen next? What are some of the book's most surprising moments?

Why would Murakami choose to set his story in 1984, the year that would serve as the title for George Orwell's famous novel about the dangers of Big Brother?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Vintage. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Reviews

Beyond the Book:
Leoš Janáček

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