It seems like 1Q84 elicits two very distinct responses, one being your aunt's and one being mine, which is to say I think it's a goddam masterpiece. From the reviews I've read it seems like the critics basically divide the same way. No one is lukewarm about it; we all either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. 1Q84 is my favorite Murakami by a mile (which says a lot, because I like all his writing that I've read). 1000 pages is a lot to push through for a book you don't like. And I'm honestly not sure if I would've enjoyed it had I not read some of his others book previously. He uses a sort of surrealism in his writing that takes a bit of getting used to. If you're already familiar with the universe in which his characters live from his other writings, then I don't think 1Q84 is so out there. If, on the other hand, you're unprepared, then I could imagine not knowing or caring what you're reading. Either way, I wouldn't judge Murakami wholly by that book. He has a lot of amazing stories, and many people who are fans of his hated 1Q84.