Almost Transparent Blue
Almost Transparent Blue
Book Brief
Beta126
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1970s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami explores the lives of disaffected young individuals in 1970s Japan. The narrative focuses on their experiences with drugs, sex, and alienation, offering a stark portrayal of societal disconnection and existential emptiness. Through vivid, raw depictions, the novel examines themes of identity and the search for meaning.
Gritty
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
12,946 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ryū Murakami's Almost Transparent Blue offers a raw and vivid portrayal of youth immersed in chaos and hedonism. Critics praise its visceral prose and unflinching exploration of excess and disconnection. However, some find the graphic content overwhelming and narrative depth lacking. The novel captures a snapshot of 1970s Japan through a lens of stark authenticity.
Who Should Read Almost Transparent Blue?
A reader who enjoys Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami is likely drawn to raw, gritty narratives that delve into themes of alienation and existential angst. Fans of Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh or Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis may appreciate its unflinching exploration of youth culture and urban decay.
12,946 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ryū Murakami won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize for his debut novel, *Almost Transparent Blue*, in 1976, when he was just 24 years old.
The novel caused a stir in Japan due to its vivid depiction of the counterculture and was inspired by Murakami's own experiences during his time at art school.
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Translated into several languages, *Almost Transparent Blue* paved the way for Murakami's international recognition and established him as a provocative voice in contemporary literature.
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126
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1970s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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