The Strange Library is a beautifully presented short story, displaying Murakami's gift for invention and narrative pace. Some familiar Murakami tropes appear - the Sheep Man returns, the subterranean setting is reminiscent of the underground world of Hard Boiled Wonderland and the girl wouldn't be out of place in any of his novels - but The Strange Library feels fresh. I don't know whether it helps that it's been translated by someone different, but Ted Goosens has created a very readable text. There is a lot that is fun and Murakamian (is that a word?) about _The Strange Library_, but it is ultimately rather forgettable and somewhat pointless. The book design, typography, and illustrations are cool, but I'm not really sure that I "got" this story and I'm suspicious that there really wasn't anything to "get." In other words, this is a disappointment. I also suspect that this was published for Murakami to make some cash around the holidays, since the book itself is basically a short story marketed at $18 a pop. You can buy an entire book of superior short stories (I'm thinking here of "Dabchick") for way less money. You might visit a library, however (not one where you're going to be imprisoned for days), read "The Strange Library" in the twenty or so minutes that it will take you, and then check out one of Murakami's superior collections or novels to take home with you.There are, though, some impressive pictures of donuts in the book, so those I guess are a draw.
What do You think about La Biblioteca Secreta (2014)?
loved it! the illustrations contibruted to the eery, yet strangely beautiful and melancholy tone.
—Cynthia
Mainly for the graphics! Otherwise, typical Murakami eccentricities. Love the sheepman!
—radi
Perfect reading experience for anyone, but especially a precocious kid.
—petite
