This book is a fantastic example of the power of visual story telling. It is an autobiographical account of the bombing of Hiroshima expressed through the eyes of seven year old Gen. What is striking is Nakazawa’s vivid account of the horrors of war, showing us how terrible humans can be to one another. He also provides chilling look at the power of propaganda. This book serves as both a reminder and a warning. Prepare yourself: this is not light reading.
I recommend putting this book on the High School curriculum. In school we had to read Hiroshima by John Hersey, also a powerful book; however, Barefoot Gen really gives the reader the sense of being there, deepening the understanding of this dark chapter in human history.
I would rate this book a must read for teens 15+. There a ten volumes in this series.
Thanks to Angela Eastman for bring this book to my attention. You can check out her review : http://anglynn.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/mmf-barefoot-gen/
As always, I'm open to suggestions on books to check out.
As always, I'm open to suggestions on books to check out.