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  • The Martyr and the Red Kimono

  • A Fearless Priest’s Sacrifice and a New Generation of Hope in Japan
  • By: Naoko Abe
  • Narrated by: Ami Okumura Jones
  • Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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The Martyr and the Red Kimono

By: Naoko Abe
Narrated by: Ami Okumura Jones
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

On the 14th of August 1941, a Polish monk named Maximilian Maria Kolbe was murdered in Auschwitz.

Kolbe's life had been remarkable. Fiercely intelligent and driven, he founded a movement of Catholicism and spent several years in Nagasaki, ministering to the 'hidden Christians' who had emerged after centuries of oppression. A Polish nationalist as well as a monk, he gave sanctuary to fleeing refugees and ran Poland's largest publishing operation, drawing the wrath of the Nazis. His death was no less remarkable: he volunteered to die, saving the life of a fellow prisoner.

It was an act that profoundly transformed the lives of two Japanese men. Tomei Ozaki was just seventeen when the US dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, destroying his home and his family. Masatoshi Asari worked on a farm in Hokkaido during the war and was haunted by the inhumane treatment of prisoners in a nearby camp. Forged in the crucible of an unforgiving war, both men drew inspiration from Kolbe's sacrifice, dedicating their lives to humanity and justice.

In The Martyr and the Red Kimono, award-winning author Naoko Abe weaves together a deeply moving and inspirational true story of resistance, sacrifice, guilt and atonement.

©2024 Naoko Abe (P)2024 Penguin Audio
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Fascinating, Captivating, Extremely Relevant

In the wake of the recent release of "Oppenheimer", a deeply introspective exploration of the atomic bomb, "The Martyr and the Red Kimono" emerges as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of war, the harrowing impact of the Nagasaki bomb and the resilience of the human spirit.

Through the trials and tribulations faced by its characters, the book serves as a timely and relevant exploration of the lasting scars left on individuals and societies, as well as the power of hope even in the darkest of times.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to humanize the narrative of war, weaving a tapestry of personal stories that resonate on a profound level. Through the eyes of its compelling characters, readers are transported to a time and place where the line between right and wrong blurs, and the true cost of conflict becomes impossible to ignore.

As "Oppenheimer" sheds light on the cataclysmic events of Nagasaki in 1945, "The Martyr and the Red Kimono" offers a complementary perspective, delving into the lives of those caught in the crossfire of history. It is a poignant reminder that behind every statistic lies a human story, filled with pain, loss, and ultimately, the unwavering hope for a better tomorrow.

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