59 pages 1 hour read

John Hersey

Hiroshima

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1946

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

15+years

Lexile Level

1190L

Book Details

Genre

Journalism

Creative Nonfiction

Education

Topics

History: Asian

History: World

Education

Period

WWII / World War II

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Life/Time: Mortality & Death