Hiroshima by John Hersey

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Hiroshima by John Hersey is a powerful narrative that explores the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The book follows six survivors, including Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto, Mrs. Hatsuyo Nakamura, Dr. Masakazu Fujii, Father Wilhelm Kleinsorge, Dr. Terufumi Sasaki, and Toshiko Sasaki, as they recount their experiences before, during, and after the bombing. Hersey vividly describes the devastating effects of the bomb, from the immediate destruction to the long-term suffering of radiation sickness. The book is notable for its detailed storytelling and historical significance, marking one of the earliest examples of New Journalism. Originally published in The New Yorker in 1946, it has remained a crucial work in understanding the human impact of nuclear warfare. An additional chapter, added in 1985, follows the survivors 40 years later, highlighting the enduring effects of the bombing and the broader Cold War context. Hersey's work provides a poignant and factual account of one of history's most pivotal events.