A powerful work of historical fiction by William Coles, first published in 2010. Inspired by the true story of one of the few people known to have survived both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, the novel is a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting tale of survival, redemption, and the value of human life.

The protagonist is a deeply flawed Japanese man—selfish, arrogant, and unfaithful—working in Hiroshima in August 1945. When the first atomic bomb destroys the city, he somehow survives the unimaginable devastation. Determined to reunite with his estranged wife, he boards one of the last trains out of Hiroshima and returns home to Nagasaki.

Just 90 minutes after arriving, he experiences history's second atomic bombing.

Forced to endure two apocalyptic catastrophes within three days, he witnesses horrific destruction, overwhelming human suffering, and the long-term effects of radiation. As he struggles to survive amid death, chaos, and despair, his journey becomes more than a fight for survival—it becomes one of profound personal transformation. The man who once cared only for himself gradually learns compassion, courage, and the true meaning of life.

Although fictionalized, the novel draws heavily on historical research and the experiences of real double survivors (nijū hibakusha). Rather than focusing on military strategy or politics, it emphasizes the human consequences of nuclear warfare and the resilience of ordinary people. The vivid descriptions of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are both heartbreaking and educational.