Hiroshima Joe: A Novel

I have not yet finished reading this book but it will be the fourth of Booth's novels I've read. As I grow older I read less fiction because as I read it I find that I really don't care about the protagonist or what happens to him; in Booth's stories I find that I really do care what happens . I first discovered Booth's writing several years ago with Industry of Souls, which I've read 3 times and will probably read again some day. I am sorry that Martin Booth is gone and there will be no more from him.

One of my favorite books, purchased and read for the third time. Martin Booth's usual superb wordcraft and superior knowledge of Hong Kong. A sad story about a British soldier who saw too much. Read "Gweilo: Memoirs of a Hong Kong childhood" to understand Martin's relationship with Hong Kong.

I have probably read over 100 war themed novels and this easily makes the top 5 list. Hiroshima Joe is a can't-put-down wrenching story. You absolutely feel that you are with the main character during every step of his tragic life, in the hours before Hong Kong falls to the Japanese, as he attempts to survive multiple prisoner of war camps, as he walks through a post atomic Hiroshima, and later in Hong Kong as he struggles to live on after losing everything. Difficult, but highly recommended

This is the third Martin Booth book I have finished, after "A Very Private Gentleman" and "The Industry of Souls" and I am currently on his lovely childhood memoir "Gweilo," which he began when he learned he had inoperable brain cancer. I think he's terrific and I would encourage anyone to try one of his books. He has a pretty wide range, from fiction, to non-fiction to children's books. I am shopping on Amazon for a new title or two now.

This is probably the most thoughtful book I have ever read about WW2 in the Pacific.Even more so because it deals with the issue of forgiveness I have rarely read before

A sad and depressing story of a casualty of war. The places this story unfolds in are interesting and historically significant, which kept my interest in the book. While the horrors of war are well and graphically described, I somehow never developed a great empathy for the main character, Joe. After finishing book, I just asked myself "what was the point?"

This a sad sensitive novel that takes one back to the pre war days in Hong Kong. Thereafter is a remarkable journey depicting the savagery of war and mans inhumanity to man. I was reduced to tears in the closing passages - such is the skill and sensitivity of Martin Booth.

I just finished the book. It's a good story, well written, but I think the author took too longto tell it. It would have been a better book if it had been shorter - I found myself skimming,the last 100 pages or so. It's just my preference - I found too much writing that just slowed thingsdown - unneccesary description, in my opinion, in a novel with 441 pages.For example, in a very important, dramatic chapter, the author first gives you details about what the furniturein the room was like: on page 337: "Before the fire was ranged a lounge suite in white leather, with maroon,emerald and azure Thai silk cushions scattered upon it. Two of the four armchairs had tall backs. The tableswere all under a foot high and made of camphorwood. An antique brass tea urn rested on a trellis by thecurtains that, Sandingham realized from their size, must cover a large glass patio door leading on to thegarden." What follows is very dramatic. There are too many unneccesary uninteresting descriptivesentences, I think. I'd say that he was a good writer who took too long to tell a story.He was definitely a good writer. I just think that this book could have been half as long and it wouldhave told the story much better.

As expected

I enjoy Martin Booth's writing and found this a good read and well researched although quite harrowing in places, particularly in the prison of war camps.

Great book.

I founds the book incredibly moving, the author does a fantastic job moving you back in time and experiencing a truly horrific point in time.

Not what I expected, Will persevere

I was a lad during the war against Japan, so I was well informed about the prisoner of war camps. We were taught to hate the Japs. We rejoyced to learn of the fire bombing of Tokio, and the dropping of the atom bombs.. So the chapters of Hiroshima Joe set in the camps were of little interest.The chapters in the book set in the early 50s were about an alcholic, 0pium dependent, peadophile thief,hardly a likeable. character.Martin Booth is a prolific author, some are first class, Let me suggest A very Private Gentleman, The Industry of Souls and Islands of Silence. R K