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3.88

Based on 8 Goodreads ratings

A REMARKABLE MAN

by the incident, merely disgusted by human stupidity,” the author writes of Hida. Petitjean’s short book offers a warm tribute to this “frail figure” whose eyes “gleamed with intelligence and humanity” as he recounted his experiences in Hiroshima. In excerpts from interviews and speeches, Hida offers a rare account of the horrors that he witnessed. “I realized their flesh was decomposing,” Hida says of the bomb’s victims. “Everyone knows the human body decomposes after death, but these people were still alive. None of it made any sense. I overcame my disgust and continued to examine them.” Of the 300 or so doctors in Hiroshima at the time of the bombing, 60 were killed in the blast, and Hida was one of only a couple dozen doctors left with the impossible task of helping more than 100,000 victims. Hida himself suffered from radiation poisoning. “My bones have aged very quickly, and my back’s always been in a terrible state,” he says. He needed surgery at age 61 and had to be hospitalized again at 70. “I will keep fighting,” Hida tells Petitjean. True to his word, he kept traveling throughout Japan—speaking out against the dangers he had seen with his own eyes—until he was nearly 100."

Book Details

Publisher:Hiroshima in
Published:1945-01-01
Pages:193
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781635425

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This biography offers an intimate portrait of a truly extraordinary individual whose life story spans continents and careers, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to international recogniti...

Our Review

This biography offers an intimate portrait of a truly extraordinary individual whose life story spans continents and careers, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to international recognition. The narrative captures both his public achievements and private struggles with equal sensitivity, revealing the complex humanity behind the celebrated figure. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, readers witness pivotal moments that shaped his character and forged his remarkable path. The book masterfully balances historical context with personal anecdotes, creating a multidimensional view that feels both grand in scope and deeply personal.

What distinguishes this biography is its refusal to sanitize its subject, presenting both triumphs and failures with unflinching honesty while maintaining profound respect. Young adult readers will find particular inspiration in the exploration of how perseverance through adversity and commitment to principles ultimately defined his legacy more than any single accomplishment. The writing maintains an engaging pace throughout, making substantial historical and personal insights accessible without oversimplification. This thoughtful examination of character and consequence leaves readers with lasting appreciation for what constitutes a life well-lived.

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