Book Review- Underground by Haruki Murakami

 

I had no idea about this event in history until I read this. It’s insane—a chilling chronicle of violence and terror that is absolutely heartbreaking.

"Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche" by Haruki Murakami is a non-fiction work that recounts the gas attacks that occurred in the Tokyo subway system on a beautiful spring day in March 1995.

A religious cult known as Aum Shinrikyo, also referred to as the "Doomsday cult," released packets of sarin gas, resulting in many deaths, numerous injuries, and a nation left in shock. This book provides an insider's perspective on this tragedy through a series of interviews with survivors, relatives of the deceased, medical personnel, and members of the cult.

The first part of the book is composed of chapters filled with interviews aimed at reconstructing the events of the sarin gas attack. It incorporates perspectives from victims, railway administration officials, police officers who were responsible for managing the situation, and doctors.

I found the second part of the book even more engaging, as it delves into the "why" of the event through interviews with cult members, including those who released the sarin gas on the train. Many remaining members still seemed unconvinced about the truth surrounding the atrocities of the terrorist attack. It was definitely eye-opening to see the types of individuals who would join Aum and their reasons for continuing to adhere to their beliefs.

In conclusion, the book was compelling. 

Post reading thought-

After reading it, I found a connection to the everyday delusions we create—akin to the “sarin” of "running in life." The interviews painted a vivid image of people so dedicated to their work that they viewed themselves not as individuals, but as parts of a larger community. They attempted to carry on despite feeling unwell. Many of them barely complained about the strange smell, or the difficulties they experienced in seeing or breathing. It was as if they believed their own well-being was not that important. 

Living without awareness- aren’t we all doing that sometimes?