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Hiroshima

By: John Hersey
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Summary

“One of the great classics of the war" (The New Republic) that tells what happened in Hiroshima through the memories of survivors—from a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. This book, John Hersey's journalistic masterpiece, tells what happened on that day. Told through the memories of survivors, this timeless, powerful and compassionate document has become a classic "that stirs the conscience of humanity" (The New York Times).

Almost four decades after the original publication of this celebrated book, John Hersey went back to Hiroshima in search of the people whose stories he had told. His account of what he discovered about them is now the eloquent and moving final chapter of Hiroshima.

©1946, 1985 John Hersey (P)2019 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Critic reviews

“Nothing can be said about this book that can equal what the book has to say. It speaks for itself, and in an unforgettable way, for humanity.” —The New York Times

“One of the great classics of the war.” —The New Republic

“Everyone able to read should read it.” —Saturday Review of Literature

What listeners say about Hiroshima

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Truly Excellent

What a brilliantly told story which bring to light the struggle to survive after the bomb was dropped - the stoic people dealing with unimaginable difficulties, brilliantly told. No wonder it won awards!

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Best book on the subject

Very immersive - it feels like you are truly there when the events happen. The narration is also excellent and I really enjoyed the format, Highly recommended.

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Painful, heartbreaking and so important to know

"His memory, like the world's, was getting spotty"

What an aptly chilling note to end this heartwrenching and painful account on. It's so important that the world does not forget what sort of horror we humans are capable of inflicting on each other, what sort of crimes we have committed already. This deeply human approach to what happened and more importantly who it happened to materializes the events of that fateful bombing and it's terrible aftereffects in a chilling, terrifying manner that is deeply memorable and so so important to be preserved. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.

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important book to highlight suffering

it's an incredibly important story to be heard to understand the human suffering at the dropping of the bombs, what destruction humanity creates for itself

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testament through survivors' stories

...of a major historical moment in oth 20th Century history, and warfare. Touching and well presented, probably as impactful as the format allows. Well worth hearing.

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Emotionally engaging and devastating listening.

The prose is to the point and absolutely harrowing in many places, made me very emotional.

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