Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

When we had our July meeting, I was nearly finished this book and I found it intriguing. Unfortunately, I found it to be unsatisfying in the end as the plot lines didn't come together as I hoped they would. This story is about a teenage runaway who is trying to escape his father and find his mother and sister who left when he was a young child. Along the way, he meets several colourful characters, including two women who he believes might be his mother and sister. The reader never does find out if they really are - hence the unsatisfying ending.

There is a parallel plot that involves an elderly man who talks to cats and commits murder. He is also running away with the help of a truck driver he happens to meet. The ending is very supernatural and quite farfetched. I can't imagine it having wide appeal. But for people who like inventive, unique fiction it could be of interest. The writing is engaging but the plot gets a little too weird for my taste.

WRITER'S FESTIVAL

It's time for me to get the tix for the Writer's Festival. Everyone is pretty easy about which session we attend, but Ada can't make it to the Afternoon Tea, so that was the deciding factor. Brunch it is. 11-12:30 on Oct. 22. I will put this on my Visa, so will need to know ASAP who is going. I have e-mailed you all - please reply.
Kathryn