Yes, apparently his style is usually much more fantastical and weird than it is in Norwegian Wood, but I like to treat a book as its own story and not compare it to other things the author has written, at least not where "quality" is concerned. Writers are allowed to be eclectic, you know?
I found much to relate to in Norwegian Wood: the overwhelming sense of being alone in the world, the hypocrisy of many so-called revolutionaries. I found myself nodding excitedly while reading, and sharing passages with my partner and my friends, because I related to all of the characters so well.
Apparently the story closely mirrors Murakami's own college experience, which is unsurprising given how honest and tangible the story and characters seem to be.