Writing Lyrical (Sur)realism with Haruki Murakami & Mieko Kawakami

Class Description

How much of reality is determined by our dreams? What do our yearnings lead us to perceive? What losses permeate our perceptions, and how does the 20th-century human navigate trauma & loss in an age so full of war, catastrophe, and disaster? These are just some of the questions that Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has explored in his work since the late 70s. Enjoying global popularity today, Murakami has also faced criticisms for his portrayals of women. Mieko Kawakami, a woman and feminist writer whom Murakami has named as his literary successor, has engaged him on this subject.

In this class, we will read stories from both Kawakami and Murakami to explore the theme of gender relations in realist, surrealist, and lyrical fiction—rooted in local themes, yet meant for a global audience. Basing ourselves on these readings, we will engage prompts that explore the fluid line between genders, sexualities, dreams, realities, and all the phantasms that inhabit our conflicts.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.