"Killing Commendatore" is a novel written by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. The book was originally published in two volumes in Japan in 2017 and 2018 and was later translated into English by Philip Gabriel and published as a single volume in 2018. Like many of Murakami's works, "Killing Commendatore" blends elements of magical realism, surrealism, and existentialism.
The story follows an unnamed protagonist, a talented and somewhat isolated painter, who is going through a divorce. He takes up residence in a remote, rural house owned by his friend's family and begins a quiet and reclusive life, focusing on his art. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a mysterious painting in the attic, titled "Killing Commendatore." This discovery leads him into a surreal and otherworldly journey filled with strange and enigmatic characters, including a wealthy neighbor, a mysterious thirteen-year-old girl, and a man with a hidden past.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist explores themes of creativity, memory, loss, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The narrative also delves into questions of identity and the nature of art itself. As the story unfolds, it becomes a tale of self-discovery and transformation for the protagonist.
Haruki Murakami is known for his distinctive writing style, which often includes elements of the ordinary mixed with the extraordinary. "Killing Commendatore" is no exception, as it weaves a complex and thought-provoking narrative that is sure to engage fans of the author's work. The novel's title is a reference to a painting within the story, and its meaning becomes a central point of exploration as the plot unfolds.
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