Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945 (Rev) [Paperback]

Michihiko Hachiya (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0807845477 | ISBN-13: 978-0807845479 | Edition: 1St Edition

The University of North Carolina Press, United States, 1995. Paperback. Book Condition: New. New edition. 204 x 130 mm. Brand New Book with Free Worldwide Delivery. An eyewitness account of life in Hiroshima during and after the bombing. Bookseller Inventory # AAC9780807845479

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: University of N. Carolina Press; 1St Edition edition (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807845477
• ISBN-13: 978-0807845479
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #528,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How the Japanese overcome despair- educational and touching, December 11, 2000

By 

Lisa Sloane (Gaithersburg, Md) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945 (Rev) (Paperback)

This is an accurate and first-hand account of the bombing of Hiroshima as well as the Japanese attitude during World War II. Although medical in nature, I did not find this book at all overwhelming or too scientifically detailed. It was a quite easy read and allowed me to relate the Japanese citizens of this traumatic period.

More than a medical documentation, this was a dramatic tale of real people, real situations and real feelings. Surprisingly, it was not depressing and did not leave me riddled with guilt over being an American. I was impressed by the heroic acts of regular Japanese citizens and dumbfounded over their undying allegience to thier plight and country; AT the same time they did not express morosness or hatred twords the incoming American soldiers- instead they welcomed them as notable collegues and almost friends. Despite the disparity of thier people and thier country they were able to see past all feelings of disdain and recogize that the most important thing was family, love and friendship. In addition to it being a beutiful story, I also gained vast knowledge of the effects of radiation and the Atomic bomb-- a seemingly gaurded secreat amoungst American history lessons.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving account of the Hiroshima bombing, February 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945 (Rev) (Paperback)

I read this book when I was in college, as a chemistry/chemical engineering major. As a young scientist, I was enamored of the sheer power contained with atoms, and was intrigued by atomic/nuclear weapons. My goal was to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering and to pursue a career at a National Laboratory such as Los Alamos or Sandia, where I hoped to work in the development of these sort of weapons.

This book changed my life. The personal accounts of the doctor in this book had a profound effect on me, both intellectually and emotionally. I was horrified by the effects of this technology. I changed my career plans and now pursue the development of much more helpful materials. I highly recommend reading this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artistic, insightful and brilliant. An amazing first hand account of the bombing!, March 12, 2007

By 

Ryan Fisher (Santa Maria, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945 (Rev) (Paperback)

In "Hiroshima Diary," Dr. Michihiko Hachiya recounts his experience as both a victim of the atomic bomb and a first-responder of aid.

Hachiya's account graphically depicts the confusing, terrible weeks that followed the atomic attack on Hiroshima. His matter-of -fact interpretation revels how little modern portrayals of the bombing compare with reality.

The destruction wrought upon the Japanese people at Hiroshima is not to be underestimated, however, Hachiya bares facts that today seem unbelievable in light of the vast devastation.

For all his suffering and all he has been witness to, Hachiya demonstrates little resentment towards the Americans who completely altered his way of life.

A profound book that is both troubling in its imagery and beautiful in its language. No less poignant today than so many years ago.

REVIEW EVERY BOOK YOU READ! AUTHORS DESERVE YOUR OPINIONS!