Reading Club Meeting: Immersion into the World of Haruki Murakami

On November 6, 2025, the Department of Ukrainian and Foreign Literature and Comparative Literary Studies of the Faculty of Social and Humanitarian Sciences held another meeting of the Reading Club, during which participants discussed the novel Norwegian Wood by the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.

The work, which has already become a classic of modern world literature, captivated the participants with its deep psychological insight, themes of coming-of-age, reflections on loneliness, and the search for one’s own path. The conversation turned out to be sincere, emotional, and at the same time philosophical.

Those present shared their impressions of the characters, pondering why a novel written more than thirty years ago still resonates so strongly with young people today. Special attention was paid to the musical motifs of the novel and to the role of the Beatles’ song “Norwegian Wood”, which became a symbol of the protagonist’s inner experiences.

The moderators emphasized that such literary gatherings introduce readers to new and thought-provoking works, fostering emotional intelligence and the ability for deep reflection.

At the end of the meeting, participants chose the next book for discussion — Orient. Close to the Enemy by Lora Pidhirna.

The Reading Club traditionally brings together all those who love fiction and value meaningful conversations about life, choices, and human emotions.

Associate Professor of the Department of Ukrainian and Foreign Literature and Comparative Literary Studies
Hanna Aleksandrova