Murakami Bil-Malti: Famous Japanese Author Gets Local Translation For First Time Ever
Maltese Murakami fans are in for a delicious literary treat: one of the Japanese author’s most celebrated novels has been translated into Maltese for the first time ever.
Haruki Murakami’s book Norwegian Wood was launched in March by local publisher Horizon, with Maltese translation by Charles Flores. This is the first ever novel by Murakami to be published in the Maltese language.
Malta to Japan Ambassador Spiteri heralded the initiative, saying it will not only provide Maltese readers with a chance to deepen their knowledge of Japanese culture but “may offer a good entry point for Japanese readers to learn about the Maltese language through a well-known work of literature”.
Norwegian Wood, which takes its name from the famous Beatles song, is set in late 1960s Tokyo and follows the rich, nostalgic reminiscence of Toru Watanabe’s time as a college student.
It is a formidable story of yearning and loss, and a favourite for Japanese youth.
Murakami is arguably the most well-known contemporary Japanese writer in the world.
His work, which includes novels, essays and short stories, has sold millions in Japan and internationally and has been translated into 50 languages.
Besides Norwegian Wood, he is known for several works like The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, Sputnik Sweetheart and Kafka on the Shore.
He translated several famous authors’ works into Japanese, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote and John Irving.
Murakami’s work threads through different genres, including fantasy, science and crime fiction and, most notably, magical realism. His work has divided some in literary circles, with Japanese critics calling his work “Un-Japanese”, giving way to his nickname as the “black sheep” by local critics.
Nonetheless, his oeuvre is enjoyed by millions of people across the world.
You can pick up your copy of Haruki Murakami’s Norweigan Wood, translated by Charles Flores, here.
Will you read Murakami in Maltese?
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