Volume IV Special Issue VIII October 2024

Name of Author : Midhat Tasneem

Title of the paper : Fragmented Realities: Diaspora and the Search for Belonging in Haruki Murakamis Novels

Abstract: This research paper delves into the complex interplay between Haruki Murakamis literary oeuvre and the concept of diaspora, examining how his novels articulate themes of displacement, alienation, and the search for identity. Murakamis characters often navigate liminal spaces—both physical and psychological—reflecting the diasporic experience of existing between cultures, histories, and identities. Through an in-depth analysis of the novels such as Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood, this paper explores how Murakami uses elements of surrealism, memory, and existentialism to portray the dislocation and fragmentation inherent in diasporic life. By situating Murakamis work within broader discussions of global literature and transnationalism, the study illuminates the ways in which his narratives resonate with the universal human experience of searching for belonging in a constantly shifting world. Ultimately, this paper argues that Murakamis portrayal of diaspora transcends mere geographical or cultural displacement, offering a nuanced exploration of the psychological and emotional landscapes of individuals caught between worlds.

Keywords : Alienation, Diaspora, Existentialism, Identity, Memory.

DOI :

Page Number : 12-15