Tragic events in history are remembered through textbooks, when we pause for a moment of silence, and when we’re given a day off from work or school. While we may be fully aware of what happened, we too often forget the victims and survivors of these incidents.

John Hersey’s Hiroshima is a harrowing collection of stories about the survivors of the first atomic bomb drop. Through his detailed narrative, Hersey tells the stories of six survivors initially after the bomb was dropped and revisits them 40 years later to report on how they survived and thrived.

Hersey focuses on the survivors rather than the history of the atomic bomb drop, offering readers a different insight than a textbook would. Reading about the six survivors gave the story of Hiroshima – one that is recounted so often- a deeper, more personal meaning. Readers connect with the emotions of the victims and are forced to look at the ethics behind the bomb drop rather than the politics.

The vivid imagery, emotional accounts, and detailed recollections Hersey includes in Hiroshima truly make an unforgettable book. I applaud Hersey on his ability to weld six stories so seamlessly and giving attention to the victims of the bomb who are too often forgotten. Hiroshima’s graphic, heart-wrenching content offers a fresh perspective on such a notorious event, making it a journalistic masterpiece.