Birthday Girl
Birthday Girl
Book Brief
Beta48
Short Story • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • 1990s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the short story "Birthday Girl" by Haruki Murakami, a waitress reflects on a mysterious encounter she had on her twentieth birthday when she met her restaurant's owner. During this unique meeting, she is granted a wish, leading her to ponder themes of fate, choices, and the passage of time.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
17,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami is a short story that captivates with its enigmatic narrative and vivid atmosphere. Positively noted for its dreamlike quality and thematic depth, it prompts introspection. However, some critics find it lacking in plot development and resolution. Overall, it enchants with Murakami's hallmark surrealism while leaving readers with lingering questions.
Who Should Read Birthday Girl?
A reader who enjoys Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami likely appreciates surreal, introspective narratives with mysterious elements. Fans of Murakami's Norwegian Wood or Kafka's The Metamorphosis would resonate with its enigmatic storytelling and contemplative themes on fate.
17,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Birthday Girl was originally published as part of Haruki Murakami's short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman.
Haruki Murakami often uses the theme of magical realism in his works, and Birthday Girl is no exception, blending the mundane with the surreal.
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The story reflects Murakami's style that often leaves readers with open-ended conclusions, fostering multiple interpretations.
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48
Short Story • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • 1990s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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