Review of Underground

By Haruki Murakami

This book is a collection of interviews of people who lived through the Tokyo Gas Attack of 1995. A religious cult called Aum Shinrikyo released sarin, a deadly gas, on three lines of the Tokyo Metro. Many were killed, even more severely injured, and countless others are now plagued with serious, long-term health effects of the attack. Many different people are interviewed, and all offer a unique perspective of the attack. From members of Aum to subway employees, to the families of the deceased, this book covers a myriad of differing views. It concludes with an essay written by the author that primarily criticizes the Japanese mentality that was adopted following the attacks, as well as what actions were taken during it. This book is memorable, informative and will leave the reader thinking.