A young man accompanies his cousin to the hospital to check an unusual hearing complaint and recalls a story of a woman put to sleep by tiny flies crawling inside her ear; a mirror appears out of nowhere and a nightwatchman is unnerved as his reflection tries to take control of him; a couple's relationship is unbalanced after dining exclusively on exquisite crab while on holiday; a man follows instructions on the back of a postcard to apply for a job, but an unknown password stands between him and his mysterious employer. In each of these stories Murakami sidesteps the real and sprints for the surreal. Everyday events are transcended, leaving the reader dazzled by the master of his craft. 'More insight into life, death, memories, love and kangaroos than one has right to expect in any single volume' Daily Express'An intimate pleasure' The TimesHere are animated crows, a criminal monkey, an ice man, as well as the dreams that shape us and the things we might wish for. Whether in a chance reunion in Italy, a romantic exile in Greece, a holiday in Hawaii or in the grip of everyday life, Murakami's chracters confront loss, or sexuality, or the glow of a firefly, or the impossible distance between those who ought to be closest of all.Following the success of Kafka on the Shore comes a collection that gives full rein to Murakami's inventive mastery. From the surreal to the mundane, these stories exhibit his ability to transform the full range of the human experience in ways that are instructive, surprising and relentlessly entertaining.'Funny but also sad and wise' Sunday Telegraph'These stories are rich in Murakami magic... a collection that all readers will enjoy' Independent'A stunning collection... simple, mysterious and true... Masterful' Arena'Exhilarating' Spectator'He casts a spell... his world is like no other' Daily Mail