Structure

The structure of the book is to move chronologically; once the beginning note to readers has passed, events proceed in a forward fashion beginning with the start of World War II. After Roosevelt okays the launch of America’s nuclear program in 1939, the book then proceeds to 1944, with the decline of the Empire of Japan. Chapters 6-28 take place in 1945, with Chapters 12-28 concerning the events of that summer, as the Americans sought to finish the bomb and finish the war with Japan.

Perspective

The book is told from two perspectives, primarily; that of those fighting on the battlefield or flying aerial missions, and that of the leaders of America and Japan as they made decisions on how to bring the war to a close. The effect of these perspectives is to give readers the context surrounding important decisions – Why did Hirohito not surrender sooner? Why were...