I finally picked up my first haruki murakami book at the bookzone amcorp mall, kl malaysia after so many years of wanting to give a trial read on his literature. If you are unwarenof his existence, he is an international acclaimed japanese author. His books are well-known world wide, with quite a number of them translated in many languages. I see his popularity as the Japanese version of Paolo Coelho.
How do I find the book? Very intriguing and different. It was based on a true story where a religious cult called AUM launched a biochemical terrorist attacks on the public via subways. It occurred in March 1995, where 5 AUM followers released sarin gas doing rush hour in the morning. Many died and hundreds of people were traumatized mentally, emotionally and health for months. He interviewed up to 60 victims and followers where most were uneasy to tell their experiences. He probed but still respected their wishes on certain aspects of their stories.
What's compelling about the way he wrote is that he not only led readers in imagining and feeling the victims and followers emotional perspective of the attack but also managed to incorporate the japanese cultural aspects. Coming from a Malaysian reader like me who experience a vast culture in my own country made me understand how the Japanese think, work and see the way of life.
Its a must read book definitely if you would like to understand AND feel many different spectrums of a mature culture with a mix of western and asian thinking at the same time.
As what I think of the author, will definitely get more of his books, only when I am really really free.. as I prefer more of optimistic, and happy genres like fantasy and business related books (well business related books thanks to my babesy!)
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