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Hiroshima

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( 83,551 ratings, 5,037 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hiroshima by John Hersey tells the harrowing tale of six survivors from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6th August 1945. Through their personal stories, the book explores the immediate impact of the blast and the enduring struggles faced by the survivors.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are interested in powerful, true accounts of historical events, focusing on the personal stories and resilience of those who survived the atomic bombing.

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Hiroshima

When the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, killing 100,000 men, women and children, a new era in human history opened. This book presents an account of six men and women who struggled to cope with catastrophe and with often crippling disease.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Hiroshima by John Hersey is a monumental work of journalism that captures the profound and harrowing experiences of six survivors in the aftermath of the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. As the bomb decimated the city and claimed over 100,000 lives, Hersey artfully recounts the personal stories of these individuals, unveiling not only their survival but also their enduring resilience amidst unprecedented devastation.

Written just a year after the catastrophe, Hersey’s narrative immerses readers in the immediate and horrifying impacts of the bomb, drawing on the raw and vivid memories of the survivors. Through meticulous detail and compassionate prose, he introduces us to the lives of these six people, each from different walks of life, yet all bound by the shared trauma of that fateful day. This poignant account is a testament to human endurance, as each survivor navigates the ruins of their city and the complex emotional landscape wrought by such a violent event.

Forty years later, John Hersey revisited Hiroshima to follow up on the lives of the same six individuals. His return culminated in an extensive new chapter, offering profound insights into their long-term struggles with severe health issues and the indelible scars left by the bomb. This addition delves into their ongoing battles with radiation sickness and other crippling diseases, revealing the persistent and devastating impact of the atomic bomb on human health and life.

Furthermore, the new chapter provides a critical reflection on the global implications of nuclear warfare. Hersey examines the dramatic proliferation of nuclear weaponry that occurred in the decades following World War II, presenting a chilling reminder of the far-reaching consequences of such destructive power. His thoughtful and incisive analysis underscores the urgency of addressing nuclear disarmament to prevent future catastrophes.

Hiroshima remains an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human dimension of one of history’s darkest moments. John Hersey’s masterful storytelling not only preserves the memories of those who lived through the horror but also serves as a solemn warning of the enduring dangers posed by nuclear weapons. This book is a powerful exploration of humanity’s capacity for both destruction and resilience, making it a timeless contribution to literature and history.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Hiroshima by John Hersey is highly praised for its powerful, poignant, and compassionate portrayal of the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Reviewers commend its ability to humanise the tragedy through personal stories of survivors, highlighting the resilience and humanity in the face of immense suffering. The narrative is often described as compelling and essential, shedding light on a significant historical event with deep emotional impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141184371

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 February 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 157g

Pages: 208

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About the Author

John Hersey was born in Tientsin, China, in 1914, and lived there until 1925, when his family returned to the United States. He studied at Yale and Clare College, Cambridge, served for a time as Sinclair Lewis's secretary, and then worked for several years as a journalist. He published seventeen works of fiction, including the Pulitzer Prize winning A Bell for Adano. Besides Hiroshima which was first published in 1946, he wrote six books of essays and reportage. He died in 1993.

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