An imaginative response to Orwell's '1984'

'1Q84' is an enveloping exploration by Murakami into the commonly touched upon dystopian tropes within fiction, with the text itself placing emphasis in particular on the concept of editing history, media and -in the case of protagonist's Aomame and Tengo- the future. Through this, Murakami may be drawing parallels with Orwell's '1984' and the role of that Winston has in the party: to edit literature. Indeed, within the opening of '1Q84', Tengo is seen to be doing the same thing.

The lengthy novel (which is split into two books) makes for an excellent and exciting read. The world of '1Q84' is set in the year of 1984 in Tokyo, Japan, with the opening chapter introducing us to the fiery protagonist, Aomame- an assassin. In the opening chapter, we see Aomame climb down the fire escape of an expressway, unknowingly stepping into a world of warped reality.

'Little People' are causing trouble. A religious commune is reaching the public's eye again.

Meanwhile, young aspiring writer and talented mathematician, Tengo has been asked to rewrite 17-year-old Fuka Eri's story. But Tengo has doubts about the fictive nature of the text. He thinks its real. He thinks Fuka Eri has escaped the religious commune.

During interview, 16 year old Charlotte Heinz described the book as 'a world away from real life. Murakami's world fascinated me every time I picked the book up.'

Without a doubt, Murakami's '1Q84' is worth reading. The text acts as an escape into a world of mystery and romance. It's a story of tragedy and happiness. Murakami's work is arguably one of the finest attempts at modern dystopian fiction in recent years.