---
product_id: 3225778
title: "The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)"
price: "3426 som"
currency: KGS
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.kg/products/3225778-the-elephant-vanishes-stories-vintage-international
store_origin: KG
region: Kyrgyzstan
---

# 4.4/5 Star Rating Includes 'Barn Burning' story, basis for major film 45,999 Best Seller Rank The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)

**Price:** 3426 som
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 📖 Unlock surreal stories that vanish from reality but stay in your mind forever!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)
- **How much does it cost?** 3426 som with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.kg](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/3225778-the-elephant-vanishes-stories-vintage-international)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Perfect for your next book club:** Engage in deep discussions with stories that are haunting, hilarious, and thought-provoking.
- • **Explore award-winning storytelling:** Includes 'Barn Burning,' the inspiration behind the acclaimed film Burning.
- • **Join a global community of readers:** Over 1,800 rave reviews prove this book’s lasting impact and cultural relevance.
- • **Dive into Murakami’s surreal world:** Experience stories that blur reality and fantasy with unmatched literary genius.
- • **Own a cult classic in great condition:** This used copy is well-preserved, perfect for collectors and new readers alike.

## Overview

The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International) is a used book in good condition featuring Haruki Murakami’s celebrated collection of magical realism and contemporary fantasy tales. Ranked #45,999 in Books with a 4.4-star rating from over 1,800 readers, it includes the story 'Barn Burning,' which inspired the major motion picture Burning.

## Description

In the tales that make up The Elephant Vanishes , the imaginative genius that has made Haruki Murakami an international superstar is on full display. In these stories, a man sees his favorite elephant vanish into thin air; a newlywed couple suffers attacks of hunger that drive them to hold up a McDonald’s in the middle of the night; and a young woman discovers that she has become irresistible to a little green monster who burrows up through her backyard. By turns haunting and hilarious, in The Elephant Vanishes Murakami crosses the border between separate realities—and comes back bearing remarkable treasures. Includes the story "Barn Burning," which is the basis for the major motion picture Burning.

Review: Great short stories and a magnificent sample of Murakami! - I really don't like reading short stories, because they might be really good, and just leave me wanting more: that IS my case with this book. I have only read about half of the stories in the book, since I am reading a lot of different books at the same time, nevertheless, I enjoy this book the most and keep looking forward to reading it. The "crazy" or rather "Fantastic" intertwines with the real. Also, the stories seem to turn fantastic, right in the point where reality becomes absurd and painful. Such is the case of the story in which the little green monster falls in love with a child-less housewife whose life seems to lack any excitement and joy. Sometimes, I feel that the fantasy becomes an escape valve for the tedious reality some people live, specially when they are at the higher levels of the Maslow hierarchy of needs. (This last statement might be a judgment from a citizen of a third-world country.) I really recommend this book. It is very inspiring and an outstanding work of literature. I think each and every story could be a starting point of a novel.
Review: Good - Unlike most anthologies of short stories, those by Haruki Murakami are generally very interesting. None of the stories in this collection seemed like filler, chosen just to make sure that there were enough stories to fill a book. Instead, I reached the end, and felt a bit sad that the ride was over already. Other reviewers will have, I am sure, talked about what the stories are, so I won't bother. I will just say that you should not expect a normal story arc in any of them. Some have it, but if you expect it going in, you will only be disappointed. Instead, take Murakami by the hand and let him be your guide into his head and his worlds. And simply enjoy the ride. Buy it, read it, lend it, keep it. It is a good book. Harkius

## Features

- Used Book in Good Condition

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #41,115 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #485 in Magical Realism #528 in Contemporary Fantasy (Books) #745 in Short Stories (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,818 Reviews |

## Images

![The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81yJi9Sm9VL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Media Format** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great short stories and a magnificent sample of Murakami!
*by A***O on June 1, 2010*

I really don't like reading short stories, because they might be really good, and just leave me wanting more: that IS my case with this book. I have only read about half of the stories in the book, since I am reading a lot of different books at the same time, nevertheless, I enjoy this book the most and keep looking forward to reading it. The "crazy" or rather "Fantastic" intertwines with the real. Also, the stories seem to turn fantastic, right in the point where reality becomes absurd and painful. Such is the case of the story in which the little green monster falls in love with a child-less housewife whose life seems to lack any excitement and joy. Sometimes, I feel that the fantasy becomes an escape valve for the tedious reality some people live, specially when they are at the higher levels of the Maslow hierarchy of needs. (This last statement might be a judgment from a citizen of a third-world country.) I really recommend this book. It is very inspiring and an outstanding work of literature. I think each and every story could be a starting point of a novel.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good
*by H***S on September 27, 2007*

Unlike most anthologies of short stories, those by Haruki Murakami are generally very interesting. None of the stories in this collection seemed like filler, chosen just to make sure that there were enough stories to fill a book. Instead, I reached the end, and felt a bit sad that the ride was over already. Other reviewers will have, I am sure, talked about what the stories are, so I won't bother. I will just say that you should not expect a normal story arc in any of them. Some have it, but if you expect it going in, you will only be disappointed. Instead, take Murakami by the hand and let him be your guide into his head and his worlds. And simply enjoy the ride. Buy it, read it, lend it, keep it. It is a good book. Harkius

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Me and Murakami
*by V***A on January 7, 2002*

One of my favourite Japanese writers. There is no one else who can write about loneliness the way he does. Murakami's collection of stories is simply superb! I was struggling to find a good blip from this book, one that will give a proper sense of Murakami's style and material. It's a problem, because when I pick something out of context, it sounds plain and ordinary. If I pick something from his dream-like sequences it sounds kitschy. This would be messing with the impact of his stories, which aren't even close to being simple or over-cute... Profound is a better description fo Murakami's work, and mystic in an urban, understated kind of way. The Washington Post Book Review says (on the book cover) that Murakami "takes big risks." and one can see why they might say that. My strong impression is that fully half of his stories are drawn from his dreams, and you know how wonky dreams can get. His work often takes a sudden shift, or it stops, without full resolution. But it's okay, dangling bits can add to the richness of a good story. The story titles are quite illustrative: -The Wind-Up Bird and Tuesday's Women -Sleep -The Fall of The Roman Empire, The 1881 Indian Uprising, Hitler's Invasion of Poland, and The Realm of Raging Winds -The Little Green Monster -TV People -The Dancing Dwarf Aside from these dream-like stories he's got more matter-of-fact ones (see more titles below). One of Marukami's strengths is that he can write a story almost as one tells one in conversation, starting with the bit that made you think of it in the first place, mentioning 'real life' asides and in the process including the reader in a subtle and complex experience.

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.kg/products/3225778-the-elephant-vanishes-stories-vintage-international](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/3225778-the-elephant-vanishes-stories-vintage-international)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Kyrgyzstan*
*Store origin: KG*
*Last updated: 2026-10-29*