Hiroshima

by M. G. Sheftall, John Hersey
Hiroshima cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Nonfiction
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Paperback • £9.99–£12.99
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  • ID: 3115
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780593080696
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2019-06-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Hiroshima by John Hersey is a Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative nonfiction that delves into the personal stories of six individuals who survived the atomic bomb dropped on the city during World War II. The book provides an intimate and unforgettable perspective on the disaster, following the survivors' lives hour by hour and day by day after the explosion. Hersey's powerful storytelling captures the human impact of the bomb, making it a mandatory read for understanding the consequences of nuclear warfare. Originally published in The New Yorker, Hiroshima sparked immediate and widespread repercussions, with newspapers and radio stations reprinting and broadcasting its content. Decades later, Hersey returned to Hiroshima to find out what happened to the survivors, adding a moving final chapter to the book. This work stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity and the enduring impact of historical events.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-11-27
gut-wrenching 4.00

The book is gut-wrenching and shame-inducing, weaving together the tales of survivors in a compelling manner.

The reviewer describes the book as deeply affecting, highlighting its ability to evoke strong emotions. The stories of survivors are presented in a way that is both heart-wrenching and enlightening, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The book's narrative style is praised for its ability to engage readers and convey the profound impact of historical events on individuals.

Quick quotes

    Gut-wrenching. Utterly shame-enducing.

    In Hiroshima Hersey has cobbled together the tales of a handful of survivors and woven them effortlessly through his narrative.

    The book is a powerful and moving account of the human experience during and after the atomic bombing.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.50

The book provides a harrowing and vivid account of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, offering a deeply personal and human perspective on the event. It is a powerful and unforgettable narrative that highlights the devastating impact of war.

They found the book to be a deeply moving and profound exploration of the human experience during one of the most tragic events in history. The author's firsthand accounts and detailed descriptions bring the horror of the atomic bombing to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true cost of war. They were particularly struck by the personal stories of survivors, which added a layer of emotional depth to the historical narrative. The book is not just a historical account but a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Quick quotes

    The book is a stark reminder of the devastating power of nuclear weapons and the importance of peace.

    The personal stories of the survivors are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

    It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

kirkusreviews.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.50

Hiroshima by M.G. Sheftall is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The book provides a detailed and harrowing narrative of the events leading up to and following the bombing, offering a unique perspective on the human cost of war. Sheftall's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and the impact of nuclear weapons.

Hiroshima by M.G. Sheftall is a meticulously researched and gripping account of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The book delves into the events leading up to the bombing, providing a detailed narrative of the decisions and actions that culminated in the devastating attack. Sheftall's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, offering a unique perspective on the human cost of war. The book is particularly compelling in its exploration of the immediate and long-term effects of the bombing on the people of Hiroshima, highlighting the enduring impact of nuclear weapons. For those interested in history and the consequences of war, Hiroshima is a must-read. The book's detailed and harrowing narrative makes it a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant events of the 20th century.

Quick quotes

    Sheftall's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant.

    The book is particularly compelling in its exploration of the immediate and long-term effects of the bombing.

    Hiroshima is a must-read for those interested in history and the consequences of war.

invitinghistory.com · Unknown · 2024-08-18
profound 4.50

The book 'Hiroshima: The Last Witnesses' by M. G. Sheftall is praised for its balanced and humanistic approach to the controversial topic of the atomic bombings. The author's extensive background and deep empathy for the survivors provide a profound and thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to form their own conclusions.

M. G. Sheftall's 'Hiroshima: The Last Witnesses' stands out for its balanced and humanistic approach to the atomic bombings. The author's extensive background, including his military and academic experience, as well as his fluency in Japanese and deep empathy for the survivors, allows him to present a nuanced and profound narrative. The book challenges readers to form their own conclusions about the events, avoiding the one-sided arguments often found in other accounts. Sheftall's deep engagement with the survivors, or hibakusha, reveals their complex humanity and the lasting impact of the bombings. The book is praised for its ability to make readers feel the gravity of the events and the moral imperative to understand the human cost of nuclear weapons.

Quick quotes

    These hypothetical precise-geographical Ground Zero victims would have had just about time in the final second or two of their lives to begin registering hellfire pain, hear their own skin begin to sizzle, and perhaps take in a deep gasp of air for a scream before the supersonic shock wave — the impact, at this close range, arriving ahead of the sound of the explosion coming up behind it — literally blew them to pieces, delivering as much as eleven tons of pressure to every square meter of surface with which it collided.

    If you are going to defend these weapons’ use, it is morally imperative that you own that image. Turn it around in your head a bit. Imagine it happening to ten thousand children or even just a single child. Imagine it happening to your child.

    If I were to hate America over what happened in the war, then I would have to hate my own country, too. And where would that leave me?

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