The Elephant Vanishes

by Haruki Murakami

First published 1993

In these twelve short stories, acclaimed author Haruki Murakami explores the vanishing of things - both physical and metaphysical. A man wakes to find his pet elephant gone without a trace. A woman searches endlessly for a lover who has simply disappeared. An elderly couple grapple with the loss of their lifelong business. Through these poignant, atmospheric tales, Murakami illuminates the ephemeral nature of existence and the aching space left behind by the things we can never hold onto.

Genres: short-stories, literary-fiction, contemporary, magical-realism

Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: existential-themes, magical-realism

Setting: Japan

336 pages · Paperback · Hamish Hamilton

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