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A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai a Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb Paperback – 28 October 2009
by Fr Paul Glynn (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 461 ratings
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A Song for Nagasaki tells the moving story of this extraordinary man, beginning with his boyhood and the heroic tales and stoic virtues of his family's Shinto religion. It reveals the inspiring story of Nagai's remarkable spiritual journey from Shintoism to atheism to Catholicism. Mixed with interesting details about Japanese history and culture, the biography traces Nagai's spiritual quest as he studied medicine at Nagasaki University, served as a medic with the Japanese army during its occupation of Manchuria, and returned to Nagasaki to dedicate himself to the science of radiology. The historic Catholic district of the city, where Nagai became a Catholic and began a family, was ground zero for the atomic bomb.
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Patricia Flores
5.0 out of 5 stars When you rebuild the world from total destruction
Reviewed in Canada on 23 January 2021
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This a wonderful story on how to have faith, hope, and charity against all the odds, in the worst of circumstances. Dr. Nagai is a moral giant. The book is a one-sitting read; I couldn’t stop reading until finished. A very important point that I found interesting is the connection between faith and science that Dr. Nagai established all throughout his life, even before his conversion. Only one detail that puzzled me: how could the author state that Beethoven and Mozart were played in a pre-Vatican 2 Catholic Mass.
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nagasaki
5.0 out of 5 stars a song for nagasaki
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2012
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this is the unforgetable story of a truly great man. Despite living through unimaginable horrors of many kinds, he never ceases to be so brave, so resourceful, so concerned for the welfare of others, so full of hope for the future, so profound in spirit. The background of his Japanese culture moulds so perfectly with his devout Catholic faith, that as a Christian from the western world the testimony of Dr. Tagai reminds me of Christ's words "I have not seen such faith, no, not in Israel." Certainly, both believers and non-believers can learn so many valuable lessons from this enthralling book!
8 people found this helpful
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joan Dawson
5.0 out of 5 stars Order accomplished
Reviewed in France on 8 December 2016
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This book arrived within the time promised and was in good shape. The person for whom I ordered it was very pleased.
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Italy on 25 September 2018
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The story of a scientist at the crossing of cultures, civilizations and religions. Wonderfully written, it brings you to the “hear and now” through the very unusual eyes of a Japanese Catholic, more than anything else, of a great man.
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Jeremy Rios
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime Biography
Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2011
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All true readers are shaped by the books they read. (Conversely, all non-readers are similarly shaped by the books they haven't read.) Some books we read to give us information; others to enjoy. The more sublime a book becomes--whether in form or content--the more impact the book has on us; its impression is indelible. Still, of all the kinds of books we can read, few impact us personally more than biography. In biography we are confronted with the image of an other life; we are brought face to face with a portrait, the prolonged gaze into which causes us to reflect on our own lives. Hence, the best biography always prompts self-reflection. Such a book is Paul Glynn's A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai. It is a profound biographical mirror, the reflection from which challenges us to reevaluate our own lives.
The subtitle of Glynn's book tells much of the story: Nagai was a Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb. As a Scientist, Nagai grew up in Japan in the first half of the 20th century where he trained to become a doctor, then studied radiology, and helped to pioneer radiological research in Nagasaki. As a convert Nagai exemplifies the observation of C.S. Lewis that "Every story of conversion is the story of a blessed defeat." Nagai, a young atheist, decided to investigate the claims of Christianity--which he viewed as a very foreign and non-Japanese religion--through the study of Nagasaki's historic Christian community and the reading of Pascal's Pensées. Over time he became compelled by the testimony of a loving God Who superintends the world, Whose power is made perfect in human weakness. Nagai is also a survivor of the Atomic Bomb, in the wake of which--already riddled with leukemia because of his radiological research--Nagai stayed in Nagasaki to rebuild, interpret, and provide healing for the citizens of his city for the last years of life. Through his public display of Christian faithfulness and patient endurance Nagai is transformed into a hero for the people of Nagasaki.
Nagai's life story is fascinating on its own. The story of his conversion gives it depth. But the atomic leveling of Nagasaki--which brought about the death of his wife and many colleagues--renders Nagai's life sublime. It is his response--patient, trusting, encouraging, and indeed deeply mourning--which sets this life above many others, making it a worthy study and example. He has suffered, yet loves God, yet remains confident in the absolute and unfailing love of God. Nagai writes, "Our lives are of great worth if we accept with good grace the situation that Providence and go on living lovingly" (238). His is no simple faith, but one rich and complex.
Nagai writes "if our lives are spent for the glory of God, then life and death are beautiful" (148). Because of this, the story of a faithful life uniquely enhances the power of biography. As we consider a life in which God has worked, profoundly, we are forced to query our own lives: Have I been faithful like Nagai? Is my faith in God secure? Have I sought to communicate the love of God to my family and coworkers as he did? Will I be able to confront suffering as he did? If my world were to crash down around me, would I respond like him? When other suffering people come to me, do I offer them the comfort and grace of God that Nagai did? No sincere reflection on these questions can bring a bad result, and so I encourage you to gaze long and searchingly into the mirror of Takashi Nagai. See who God is for this man, and ask if He might be such a God for you, too.
14 people found this helpful
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Giulia Vercesi
5.0 out of 5 stars Lettura
Reviewed in Italy on 2 October 2019
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Splendido libro
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A V G
5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational and interesting
Reviewed in the United States on 3 August 2023
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This well written novel describes a Japanese man searching and finding the meaning of pain in life and ultimately it’s path to serenity. It’s a book for all ages
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Eva
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting!
Reviewed in Canada on 6 October 2021
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Very good book!
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The Seldom Seen Kid
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2016
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When reviewing books I prefer not to give away any real detail so as not to spoil the read for any potential buyer. Wonderfully inspiring book and one that will sit well on any bookshelf.
2 people found this helpful
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Michael Subasic
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, with great insights.
Reviewed in Canada on 3 March 2016
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Wow! This book is a must read that will transform your understanding of service to others, dealing with suffering, and seeing the dignity in every person. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
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