59 pages • 1 hour read
Hiroshima
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Book Brief
160
Book • Nonfiction
Hiroshima, Japan • 1940s
1946
Adult
15+ years
1190L
Super Short Summary
Hiroshima by John Hersey chronicles the experiences of six individuals—a Catholic priest, a Methodist minister, two doctors, a widow and mother of three, and a young office worker—during and after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The narrative details their immediate actions, the ensuing chaos, medical struggles, and life over the following decades. The book addresses graphic injuries and illnesses caused by the bombing.
Informative
Dark
Emotional
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
87,916 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Hersey's Hiroshima is praised for its powerful, humanistic portrayal of the atomic bomb's impact on six survivors. Reviewers commend its meticulous journalism and eloquent, compassionate storytelling. Some critique the lack of broader historical context and perceived bias. Overall, the book is lauded for bringing human faces to a pivotal event in history.
Who Should Read Hiroshima?
Readers who appreciate Hiroshima by John Hersey are typically interested in historical events, human resilience, and the moral implications of war. Similar to those who enjoy Night by Elie Wiesel or The Diary of Anne Frank, they seek profound, personal narratives that explore the impacts of significant historical tragedies.
87,916 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Book • Nonfiction
Hiroshima, Japan • 1940s
1946
Adult
15+ years
1190L
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