The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami has been received with mixed reviews. Fans praise its dreamlike narrative and existential depth, continuing Murakami's typical themes. However, some critics find it overly introspective and meandering, potentially alienating new readers. The novel's unique atmosphere is both its strongest asset and a hurdle for broader appeal.

A reader who enjoys The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami likely appreciates surreal narratives and complex themes found in works like Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84. Fans of magical realism and existential exploration in the style of Gabriel García Márquez or Franz Kafka would also be captivated.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic / Fantastical / Emotional

**The Protagonist**  
The narrator who experiences life in a real-world small town and in a mysterious, walled-in city, marked by his journey of self-discovery amidst enduring heartbreak and isolation.

**M**/Yellow Submarine Boy  
A neurodivergent teenager obsessed with reading and knowledge, who transforms in the walled-in town to hold a unique role related to dreams.

**Mr. Koyasu**  
A ghostly presence in the local library offering guidance to the protagonist, drawing from his own experiences of loss and unorthodox lifestyle choices.

**The Protagonist’s Girlfriend/Girl from the Library**  
The protagonist's first love and an influence who introduces him to alternate realities, living both in the real world and as a shadow in the walled-in town.  

**The Coffee Shop Woman**  
A young woman who forms a meaningful relationship with the protagonist, reflecting his loneliness and helping him open to new possibilities of love.

**The Protagonist’s Shadow**  
An extension of the protagonist, reflecting his form and experiences, existing as a separate entity in the illusory world of the walled-in town.

**Mrs. Soeda**  
A librarian who collaborates with the protagonist at the small-town library, offering limited but crucial guidance in interactions within the library community.

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The City and Its Uncertain Walls reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

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The City and Its Uncertain Walls Summary and Study Guide

Background

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-13

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 1, Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-26

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 1, Chapters 14-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 27-38

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 2, Chapters 27-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 39-52

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 2, Chapters 39-52 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 53-62

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 2, Chapters 53-62 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The City and Its Uncertain Walls Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Character Analysis

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Themes

The City and Its Uncertain Walls Themes

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Essay Topics

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Haruki Murakami

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The City and Its Uncertain Walls

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