The book received mixed reviews from critics, receiving praise for its insight into Murakami's life and career, as well as criticism for its loose structure and advice to novelists.
Charles Finch of
The New York Times described the book as "assured, candid and often [...] deeply irritating." Huda Awan of
The Irish Times and
Philip Hensher of
The Daily Telegraph wrote that some of Murakami's writing advice seemed "bizarre," with Hensher commenting that it contains "startlingly banal observations on the writer's world."
Sean O'Hagan of
The Guardian and Mini Kapoor of
The Hindu both praised the book for its exploration of Murakami's mind and writing process. The book was reviewed by Chris Rutledge of
Washington Independent Review of Books, Karthik Keramalu of Firstpost, Brendan Daly of
Business Post, Thu-Huong Ha of
The Japan Times, Nick Duerden of
The i and Paul Perry of
Sunday Independent of Ireland.
Books Kinokuniya bought 90 percent of first print run of the book. == References ==