Song Among the Ruins

By William J. Schull

The author describes life in Japan during the American occupation, and discusses his role in the team of scientists assigned to study the long-range health effects of the atom bomb on the survivors.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674820428
• ISBN13: 9780674820425
• Release Date: March 1990
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

fascinating

This book is a memoir of Professor and Mrs. Schull's relationship with Japan dating back to just after World War II. Dr. Schull has been involved with genetics research on the effects of radiation among the atomic bomb survivors and their offspring, and has a profound respect for the Japanese people. He has received an award from the emperor for his work, so I assume that the respect is mutual. I found this book to be extremely enjoyable and even very touching in places. His additional studies in consanguinity led him to remote Japanese villages and the stories of the "secret Christians," villages that had maintained a forbidden spiritual affiliation with Christianity (since around 1600) for the several hundred years it was forbidden on penalty of death. There were zero western clergy during that time, and stories and theology were passed down from memory. It is a remarkable example of Japanese tenacity. Some of his and Mrs. Schull's memories are poignant; some are humorous. All in all, it is a fine memoir.