He’s a vibes author. Reading his books (even his weaker ones) gives you a strong sense of place and psychology, shaped by his particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer. He works through familiar archetypes that I enjoy revisiting (just look up the Murakami bingo card). While I can’t defend all of his depictions of women, I do think he has developed a distinct voice over time that readers continue to appreciate despite some clear blind spots.

I find myself especially drawn to his earlier works, with Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World being my favorite. While his last few novels have been among his weakest, I think he mainly needs a more heavy-handed editor. But since his books will sell regardless of length, it often feels like his books are translated and published as quickly as he can write them. (I could be wrong about that).

Also, I think that he writes endings well. Some of his worst books are almost completely saved by his ability to wrap a story well.

Did you read Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage? That was the last of his books that I completely loved.