Another writer in whose work I'm woefully undereducated. Thanks for the tip!

Interesting theory. Makes me think of that fascinating Japanese socio-cultural phenomenon, "hikikomori," characterized as a "severe form of social withdrawal," particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults.

I'm uneducated on all things Murakami though...

Thanks! I just started thinking about them this week, wondering if perhaps some have a lonesome predisposition, given the solitary nature of their craft. Philip Roth was another private guy... so too Hemingway, later in life, and Hunter S. Thompson.

Cormac McCarthy is another (in)famously shy fella... though I think he really just prefers to write, rather than talking about it.

Thanks for the tip! Always good to discover new writers... even if their true selves remain hidden. I actually have a friend who writes YA romance under a pseudonym. She's apparently quite successful (not surprising for anyone who knows her), but not even her closest friends have any idea who she is. Perhaps the anonymity affords her the freedom to truly express her inner feelings?

Good one!

As for Pynchon, I think you're right. there's a difference between "recluse" and someone who just wants some privacy. Maybe the same could be said for Salinger... just wanted a break from the public eye.