Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche in Around the World in 80 Books

Dec 08, 2015 Preeti rated it really liked it

Interesting to read about people's perspectives of a situation apparently distorted by the mainstream media. All these perspectives together help form a different narrative which Murakami mentions was his aim in writing this book. When such events as the gas attack do not make much sense and neither do the reasons behind it taking place, one can only do so much as learn people's thoughts on it, to make things clearer for oneself. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 19, 2013 Jason rated it really liked it

Another one down by Murakami, whose work I always appreciate. This book is a bit different though, with no insane fantasy scenarios or cat-killing psychos or Goat Men. This one examines close-up the events of March 20 in Tokyo: the sarin gas attacks.

The interviews presented offer us a glimpse not just of the tragedies that took place that day, but inadvertently a very pertinent and unflattering portrait of modern Japanese society. What amazed me was that most sarin victims who weren't keeling ov ...more

Like · see review

Oct 08, 2010 Kent Winward rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction

The book was at its best when it was Murakami riffing on how the responses of the victims and perpetrators reflected on Japanese culture. The victims were not nearly as interesting as the believers. The way violence is justified through religion is obviously something all cultures are concerned about and that insight comes from the believers not the victims. Following the rise and the demise of the charismatic cult is compelling.

Like · see review

Mar 27, 2009 Phoebe rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: japan

phenomenal

Like · see review

Jul 24, 2009 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it liked it

Shelves: history, japan

You know how Hakuri Murakami is wacky and zany and nutso? Well, not in Underground. He's a Serious Journalist. I was like a third grader in the last hour of the day; I could hardly keep my seat.

But plug away I did, as Murakami interviewed victim after victim. And so on and so on.

Good news: I'm finished with one more dusty BookCrossing book.
...more

Like · see review