Underground

Incredibly emotional interviews that retell one of the most horrific terrorist attacks that miraculously barely killed anyone. What's particularly fascinating about this is that it not only explores the victims' stories (sometimes through the lens of their family members), but also those of the members of the cult responsible for the attack. It dissects the minds of the people who decided to dedicate their lives to this spiritual community, while constantly drawing parallels to the Japanese society at large.

Murakami is a great interviewer, and you can truly feel his determination to uncover the story behind this tragedy. And he undoubtedly succeeded in that: not only is this intimate way of experiencing the events very touching, but the book is basically considered the best English-speaking primary source on this topic.

If one is going to read exactly one book about Aum Shinrikyō and the sarin attacks, this is my recommendation. It's not the only good book on the topic, but it's notable for focusing on the victims and impact of the cult over its leaders.

Even if one is looking to dive deeper, as I have, it's a good first book. You can't go wrong starting from a place of empathy.

A chilling portrait of the attacks, as seen through the eyes of many of the regular people that where just caught on the vicinity of that fateful March 20th morning in Tokyo. The Sarin gas attacks from Aum Shinrikyo changed life in the japanese capital, but through them Murakami explores the depths of the japanese collective soul. How could this happen? How does it affect relationships and lives in the city, and why were some people so willing to embrace this fanatical and deadly cult?
The second part of the book is made up of interviews with members (and ex-members) of the cult and it explores their feelings and views on the leader, Shoko Asahara, and the cult itself.
Truly fascinating. A deep dive into Japanese history, their fears, their everyday lives and the spiritual longings of a culture that resonate with the whole of mankind.