I first read 1Q84 during my university years, and looking back, it was one of the books that introduced me to the concept of cults and their influence on people, beliefs, and society. Before that, I had never really explored the subject beyond its surface meaning. Murakami's novel opened a door to a much more unsettling world where faith, manipulation, power, and blind devotion become deeply intertwined. What I love about 1Q84 is how Murakami builds an atmosphere that feels both familiar and strangely alien. The story moves slowly at times, but that deliberate pacing gives the characters and the mysterious world around them room to breathe. The parallel narratives of Aomame and Tengo gradually pull you into a reality where the line between truth and illusion becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish. Beyond its mystery and surreal elements, the novel raises fascinating questions about control, isolation, and how people come to accept extraordinary things as normal. For me, the exploration of cults was particularly memorable because it sparked an interest in understanding how belief systems can shape human behaviour. 1Q84 is not a book for readers looking for a fast-paced thriller. It demands patience, but the experience is worth it. More than just a story, it was an early introduction to a subject that has remained fascinating to me ever since.
27 Oct 2026