Masuji Ibuse: Black Rain

The atomic bomb was dropped down on Hiroshima... the moment explodes, the survivors are tottering unknowingly among the ruins. The days of the bomb are presented through a journal, in an incredibly objective style, rarely interrupted by a few subjective remarks, letting through repressed feelings. This makes it even more striking, close to a documentary. The effects of the bomb follow us to the present of the novel: whoever put a foot on Hiroshima ground that day could not continue to live as before, radiation sickness could break out any moment, life was either determined by suspect or by the treatment. Nevertheless, there is no despair, while everything breaks down, everything goes on, there are many failures but also victory, both at the same time.

The novel gives understanding, therefore I recommend it to all. Films, as much as they try to get close to reality, still remain stories, easy to shake off, but this novel makes us understand the real thing. That's why I'm not able to read it more times.