The first volume in a two-book series about each of the atomic bomb drops that ended the Pacific War based on years of irreplicable personal interviews with survivors to tell a story of devastation and resilience
In this vividly rendered historical narrative, M. G. Sheftall layers the stories of hibakusha—the Japanese word for atomic bomb survivors—in harrowing detail, to give a minute-by-minute report of August 6, 1945, in the leadup and aftermath of the world-changing bombing mission of Paul Tibbets, Enola Gay, and Little Boy. These survivors and witnesses, who now have an average age over ninety years old, are quite literally the last people who can still provide us with reliable and detailed testimony about life in their cities before the bombings, tell us what they experienced on the day those cities were obliterated, and give us some appreciation of what it has entailed to live with those memories and scars during the subsequent seventy-plus years.Sheftall has spent years personally interviewing survivors who lived well into the twenty-first century, allowing him to construct portraits of what Hiroshima was like before the bomb, and how catastrophically its citizens’ lives changed in the seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, and years afterward. He stands out among historians due to his fluency in spoken and written Japanese, and his longtime immersion in Japanese society that has allowed him, a white American, the unheard-of access to these atomic bomb survivors in the waning years of their lives. Their trust in him is evident in the personal and traumatic depths they open up for him as he records their stories.
Hiroshima should be required reading for the modern age. The personal accounts it contains will serve as cautionary tales about the horror and insanity of nuclear warfare, reminding them—it is hoped—that the world still lives with this danger at our doorstep.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy!
M.G. Sheftall’s HIROSHIMA offers a riveting and compassionate account of one of the 20th century’s most significant, devastating, and tragic events: the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. By meticulously blending historical research with the intimate testimonies of survivors, the book offers a harrowing and unforgettable account of the devastation, suffering, and resilience of the Japanese people.
The book delves deep into the firsthand experiences of the hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bomb. Their stories are raw and unfiltered, offering a visceral glimpse into the horrors they endured. From the initial flash of light and the deafening blast to the long-term effects of radiation sickness, Sheftall captures the physical and psychological toll of the catastrophe.
“Survivors guilt” was legion. Sixteen-year-old hibakusha were ashamed of the fact of their own survival when almost all of their classmates were killed. This shame shadowed them their whole lives, even permeating the unveiling of a Hiroshima memorial on August 6th, 1948. Bereaved parents shot hateful looks at those who had dared to live, even confronting them to ask, “Why are you alive, when my daughter is dead?” Survivors were also ashamed that they did not die as a martyr for the Imperial Empire.
Sheftall’s writing is compassionate, informative, professionally researched and meticulously crafted. He provides historical context while also allowing the survivors’ voices to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
The strength of Sheftall’s work lies in its deep exploration of the human experience in the face of incomprehensible destruction. The narrative weaves together first-hand accounts from hibakusha, ordinary citizens, and military personnel, showing how the bomb shattered lives, cultures, and the human psyche. Sheftall demonstrates not only the immediate impact of the bomb but also its lasting effects on individuals, their communities, and even the identity of Japan as a nation.
The Japanese mindset before and during wartime was one of brainwashing and stoicism. To die for the cause and support of the Emperor and Imperialism was ingrained in every boy and girl, starting as soon as they were able to walk and talk. The collective was greater than the individual, and this was accepted without a second thought. During WW2, both boys and girls were part of the war machine, grinding away day and night. As the boys were being educated on kamikaze training, the girls were working in factories recycling worn uniforms (stitching up bullet holes and washing blood out) so they could be worn again by more hapless but devoted soldiers) or sent to the Japan Steel munitions plant to help create ordnance. Bear in mind, these poor souls were barely teenagers – working in a factory setting that was both rigorous and dangerous. The girls considered too immature to endure the demands of factory labor were required to perform unskilled volunteer jobs such as farm work, participating in scrap metal drives, digging trenches, or working at firebreak sites. These tasks were just as dangerous as factory work. However, the hive mind kept all the girls moving forward without a second thought as to personal injury or worse, introspection (questioning why all this backbreaking labor had to be done, or wishing for a simple life spent giggling with friends or having free time).
Sheftall avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on the individual stories of the survivors. We learn about their hopes, dreams, and aspirations before the bombing, then feel their fear, shock, and suffering in the immediate days after the bombing. Finally, we realize the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives afterward. The book is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a human being with a unique story to tell.
Sheftall also explores the far-reaching social and geopolitical implications of the atomic bombing, explaining the political and military factors that led to the bombing, without losing sight of the human toll. He examines the Japanese government’s response to the disaster, the international reaction, and the long-term effects of radiation on the environment and public health. He also raises important questions about the ethics of nuclear weapons and the dangers of nuclear proliferation.
While HIROSHIMA is a powerful and necessary read, some readers might find the detailed historical and military analysis at times overwhelming. However, this does not detract from the overall impact of the book. It enriches the reader’s understanding of the broader context in which the bombing took place, contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of the event.
M.G. Sheftall’s writing is inspired by a deep fascination with Japanese culture and history, particularly with the events surrounding World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a long-time resident of Japan and a scholar specializing in Japanese history and society, Sheftall’s interest grew from personal encounters with the stories of the hibakusha. Their experiences, combined with the overarching impact of the atomic bomb on Japanese society, motivated him to give voice to the survivors’ stories in a way that blends historical context with personal narratives. Sheftall’s writing is empathetic and precise, capturing the profound human impact while maintaining scholarly rigor.
The author has previously explored the human dimensions of war, as seen in his earlier work, BLOSSOMS IN THE WIND, where he examined the experiences of Japanese kamikaze pilots. His continued exploration of the human cost of war is a driving force behind HIROSHIMA. Sheftall was inspired not just by a desire to document history, but also to foster empathy and understanding by illuminating the personal suffering that often gets lost in larger historical narratives. By focusing on individual experiences, Sheftall seeks to convey the full scope of the tragedy and its long-lasting impact on both individuals and society at large.
Hiroshima is remembered as one of the most devastating events in human history, symbolizing the horrors of nuclear warfare and the profound suffering caused by the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. Its memory is preserved in numerous ways, each reflecting different aspects of the tragedy and its broader implications.
The city stands as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The city’s complete devastation within seconds, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945, makes it a powerful symbol in the global conversation about nuclear disarmament. The memory of Hiroshima fuels ongoing movements advocating for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons, led by organizations such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and global anti-nuclear groups.
Hiroshima is commemorated annually through ceremonies at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures left standing near the hypocenter of the blast. The park also features the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, and its Flame of Peace will burn until the world is free of nuclear weapons. These physical landmarks serve as enduring reminders of the tragedy and as focal points for reflection and mourning.
The bombing of Hiroshima is remembered through various forms of art, literature, film, and music. Books such as John Hersey’s HIROSHIMA and later works, including M.G. Sheftall’s own contributions, help to ensure the event is documented and understood by future generations. Films like Grave of the Fireflies and Barefoot Gen portray the emotional and human cost of the bombing.
Every year, on August 6, Hiroshima holds a solemn Peace Memorial Ceremony. The event includes a moment of silence at 8:15 AM, the exact time the bomb was dropped. The ceremony draws attendees from around the world and serves as a global moment of reflection on the consequences of nuclear warfare, aiming to renew commitments to peace.
The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo (The Japanese Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organization). This underscores both the call to peace and continuing to remember those whose lives were forever changed by this unspeakable tragedy.
In all these ways, Hiroshima is remembered as a tragedy that transformed the global understanding of warfare, leaving a legacy that continues to shape both personal and collective memory. It is a call to never forget the consequences of nuclear weapons and to work toward a world where such destruction is never repeated.
This book is a poignant and essential contribution to the literature of World War II, as well as a testament to the human spirit and the power of resilience, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. The book offers a respectful reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare, and it compels readers to reflect on the far-reaching consequences of violence and war. Sheftall’s skillful blend of historical narrative and personal testimonies makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in history, ethics, and the profound impact of war on humanity. It is also an imperative for historians, students, and anyone seeking to understand the true cost of conflict.
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