Few weeks ago, I finished reading Haruki Murakami’s South of the Border, West of the Sun. It was a love story of childhood sweethearts separated long time ago. After decades of living their own lives, they once again met. Hajime, the main character almost risked everything he presently has, including his family, career and good life, to be with Shimamoto once again.

This story brought about cocktail of emotions on me. I abhor the fact that Hajime, somehow cheated and lied to his wife to be with Shimamoto. Obviously, it was because lying and cheating’re against my moral beliefs. On the other hand, I sympathize with him too because I knew and felt how helpless he was for being married to another woman, yet loving another one who just comes and goes, a woman full of probably’s and uncertainties; a woman who’s love for him was not guaranteed. I enjoyed the book but afterwards it brought about slight depression on me.

Lastly, the ending made me query Shimamoto’s existence and return to Hajime’s life. Was it real or figment of his imagination? Guess it can go either way?

It’s my first time reading his book so I’m still unsure of his writing style.

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Before I forget, since this is not an inspirational book, just like most of the books I read, I only managed to like and bookmark one favorite quotation from the book.

“Hajime, she said, the sad truth is that some things can’t go backwards. Once they start going forward, no matter what you do, they can’t go back to the way they were. If even one little thing goes awry, then that’s how it will stay for ever.”