A review by skinnygetout
Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story by Caren Stelson

5.0

A fascinating biography that details the experience of the Yasui family as they first survive and then try to make sense of the Nagasaki bombing. The story follows the life of Sachiko Yasui from age 6 to her now elderly age. Sachiko had to grapple with a lot of sadness before she ever felt the courage to share her story. And with good reason.

The history of the Atomic bombing in Japan is largely glossed over in United States history books. However, the truth is more horrifying than is hinted at. The Nagasaki bombing destroyed the majority of the city, killing most of its inhabitants. While the bombing and loss of life itself is incredibly gruesome, the more appalling aspect of the bombing is the radiation sickness and the people that died terrible deaths as a result of various cancers, burns, and other illnesses.

All of this was heavily censored by the occupying American government. What Sachiko's story does is illuminate the long lasting horror of war, the physical and the psychological baggage that weigh down hapless victims of history's most disgusting gambit.

A great choice for readers who are interested in war, history, and activism.