Author: John Hersey
No. of Pages: 118
Publisher: Alfred A Knopf Inc.
Year of Publication: 1946
Place of Publication: New York
About the Book:
As the name suggests, the book is based in Hiroshima and is a fictional account of the atomic bombing of the city. It describes, using narrative accounts of six survivors, the events that transpired immediately before and after the atomic blast. It is essentially a description of the vast, ghastly, sudden destruction, of what seems to be a sleepy day for most civilians.
The description is vivid and detailed. It is written in a highly detached fashion; almost as if the writer is trying to avoid facing the emotions that the description evokes. At the end of the book, you are left wondering, how the decision to drop the bomb could have been taken! I am sure there is another book on that.
Favourite Quote:
“He felt tired all the time. “But I have to realize,” he said, “that the whole community is tired.” (p. 113)
“My child,” Father Kleinsorge said, “man is not now in the condition God intended. He has fallen from grace through sin.” (p. 109)
Final Analysis:
Very emotionally charged. Maybe less hard on people who are used to reading wartime stories. It is important though, that the event described in not fictional. I think it should be read by all defence personnel so that they are more aware of the aftermath of some of the decisions they take. Will make it difficult to take decisions though.
Excerpts from the book can be used in literature classes and in other classes for building empathy.
I would say, read it.