A masterwork of speculative fiction, 1Q84 tells the story of Aomame, a fitness instructor and hitwoman, and Tengo, a writer, as they find themselves entangled in a parallel world that seems eerily similar to Tokyo in 1984. This surreal and complex narrative delves into themes of alternate realities, love, loneliness, and the nature of existence. Murakami’s typical blend of magical realism and philosophical musings challenges readers to explore the boundaries of perception and identity. Spanning multiple narrative threads, 1Q84 reflects on the intersection of fate and free will in a dream-like universe. The trilogy examines the concept of the “1Q” as a reference to the “questionable” nature of reality itself.