In this engaging book, the internationally best-selling author shares with readers what he thinks about being a novelist; his thoughts on the role of the novel in our society; his own origins as a writer; and his musings on the sparks of creativity that inspire other writers, artists, and musicians.

'You end this collection of beautiful essays vowing to never let life, or writing, get so complicated again' Guardian

'Murakami is like a magician who explains what he's doing as he performs the trick and still makes you believe he has supernatural powers' New York Times Book Review

'A fascinating glimpse of the peculiar writerly life' Sunday Times