In Haruki Murakami's book "Pinball," published in 1973, the author explores the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The characters traverse a dreamlike landscape that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. This creates a sense of longing for the past and reflection on fleeting moments in life.
The quote "When it's all over, it'll seem like a dream" encapsulates the essence of this exploration, suggesting that experiences may feel ephemeral and surreal once they have passed, leaving behind only memories that can seem distant and dreamlike.