John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' Still Inspires Writers 75 Years On
Journalist and author John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' continues to resonate and inspire writers decades after its publication. The impact of the piece was recently highlighted by two prominent figures in the literary world. Former Storyboard editor Constance Hale, though not explicitly stated, is believed to have listed 'Hiroshima' among the most influential pieces of writing in her career. Meanwhile, Mark Kramer, the founding director of the Power of Narrative conference, singled out a passage from the book in a talk on narrative voice, demonstrating its enduring impact. Hersey's influence extends beyond direct citations. Peter Richmond, a journalist, took a senior seminar with Hersey at Yale. In a semi-confessional essay about finding his writing voice, Richmond shared six key takeaways from Hersey's class. One notable aspect was Hersey's use of individual names in 'Hiroshima', a technique that Richmond likely learned from the master himself. Richmond reflected on the 75th anniversary of 'Hiroshima', noting that each reading offers fresh insights and underscores how Hersey built humanity and universality into his story. The influence of John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' is evident in the work of contemporary writers like Constance Hale and Mark Kramer. Peter Richmond's experience with Hersey at Yale further illustrates the lasting impact of the author's teachings. As 'Hiroshima' marks its 75th anniversary, its relevance and influence on writers continue to be celebrated.
