Murakami’s latest novel, After Dark, is more of a novella than his usual epic. It follows the story of five characters awake and active at night in the outskirts of Tokyo, or in some cases fast asleep. The usual Murakami prose is in full effect, but this time there seems to be a lack of grip – the attempt to make the story, as it stands, fit into one night falls somewhat flat. It’s certainly an enjoyable read, but when you compare it to Ian McEwan’s wonderful Saturday, you feel that Murakami should perhaps have taken a leaf out of McEwan’s book and added slightly more action. Not one of his best, but still worth a read if you’re a fan.