59 pages • 1 hour read
John HerseyHiroshima
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1946A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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+yearsLexile Level
1190L