Hey there, I said I will come back when I am finished with it and I just did this morning! I did not know this was such a short novel. I see what you mean now and I agree: this would not be the best way to discover Murakami.
Its magical realism is present, but contrary to the two books I mentioned I find there is not enough story. It's more a few moments in a slice of life of one particular person.
The way of presenting situations, characters, the chosen musical theme (70s this time), the bar, drinks, cigars, it's all there though.
And there are some nice passages that make you pause and ponder about your own life.
I think the only element missing, to me, is an overarching story really.

I liked it and I think I'll see about the other three in the quadralogy. ☺