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Iris Chang

The Rape of Nanking

"The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II" by Iris Chang is a powerful and deeply moving account of one of the most horrific atrocities of the 20th century. Published in 1997, the book tells the story of the mass murder and rape of hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians by the Japanese army during a six-week period in 1937-38, when the city of Nanking was occupied. Chang's meticulously researched and compelling narrative brings to light the full extent of the brutality and inhumanity that occurred during this dark period of history. She draws on a wide range of sources, including eyewitness accounts, diaries, and official documents, to paint a vivid picture of the events that unfolded. The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the tragedy: the fall of Nanking, the massacre itself, and the aftermath. One of the most striking aspects of "The Rape of Nanking" is the way in which Chang humanizes the victims and perpetrators, revealing the individual stories behind the statistics. She also explores the reasons why the massacre was largely forgotten in the West, and why it took so long for the truth to be acknowledged in Japan. Despite the harrowing subject matter, "The Rape of Nanking" is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. Chang highlights the heroism of the foreigners who stayed in Nanking to help the Chinese, and the efforts of Chinese survivors to rebuild their lives and keep the memory of the massacre alive. In conclusion, "The Rape of Nanking" is a powerful and important book that sheds light on a little-known chapter of history. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of remembering the past in order to prevent such atrocities from happening again...