Publishing History

Norwegian Wood is a novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, first published in Japan in 1987 by Kodansha. The title, Norwegian Wood, references the Beatles song of the same name, which is mentioned several times in the book. The novel quickly became a bestseller in Japan, capturing the imagination of the younger generation and propelling Murakami into the spotlight as a prominent author.

The English translation by Jay Rubin was published in 2000 by Vintage International, introducing Murakami's evocative and melancholic storytelling to a wider audience. The novel's themes of love, loss, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood resonated with readers worldwide, further establishing Murakami's international reputation.

Norwegian Wood has been translated into numerous languages and has sold millions of copies globally, making it one of Murakami's most popular and enduring works. The novel's success has also led to adaptations, including a 2010 film directed by Tran Anh Hung, which brought the story to an even broader audience. The book's enduring popularity is a testament to Murakami's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and the universal experiences of love and longing.