6 Best Murakami Books Ranked in 2024

Murakami books ranked: Start with 'Norwegian Wood' for a classic love story. 'Kafka on the Shore' is a must-read too.
Norwegian Wood coverKafka on the Shore cover1Q84 cover

Murakami books ranked can be quite the dilemma for any new reader. We get it, the guy’s kinda famous for his mystical vibes and complex characters. When picking the top 6, we focus on storytelling, emotional impact, and those quirky elements only Murakami can pull off. Get ready for some wild rides through parallel worlds, talking cats, and a whole lot of jazz.

On this list:

6 Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Norwegian Wood cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 296

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We picked this one because it’s a fan favorite. It brings that nostalgic feeling of young love and loss. The characters will stick with you.

5 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore cover

  • Genre: Magical Realism, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 505

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This one is super weird, but in a good way. Talking cats and mind-bending plot twists kept us hooked. It is one of Murakami’s most unique works.

4 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

1Q84 cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 925

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A massive book, but worth every page. Packed with suspense and alternate realities. It’s like getting two stories for the price of one.

3 The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1994
  • Pages: 607

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Here we have a mix of detective story, fantasy, and historical fiction. We love the mysterious vibe and intriguing storytelling.

2 Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 416

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Imagine blending sci-fi with a noir detective story. That’s this book in a nutshell. It’s quirky and lots of fun. Plus, it’s shorter!

1 Wind/Pinball: Two Novels by Haruki Murakami

Wind/Pinball: Two Novels cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Literary
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 256

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We picked this one as the best because you get two for one! These are Murakami’s first novels and are essential to understanding how his style has evolved. Plus, they’re short and sweet.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!