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The Good Man of Nanking: A Story of Courage, Compassion, and Sacrifice

Jerry Hayes

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Book Review

In "The Good Man of Nanking," Iris Chang tells the astonishing true story of John Rabe, a German businessman who risked his life to save thousands of Chinese civilians during the Nanking Massacre.

Rabe was the chairman of the Siemens China Company in Nanking (now Nanjing) when the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the city in December 1937. As the Japanese troops began a brutal campaign of rape, murder, and arson, Rabe and a small group of other foreigners established a safety zone in the city's International Settlement.

The Good Man of Nanking: The Diaries of John Rabe

by John Rabe

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5688 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	349 pages

Over the next six weeks, Rabe and his colleagues housed, fed, and protected more than 250,000 Chinese refugees. They also negotiated with the Japanese authorities to prevent further atrocities.

Rabe's efforts were heroic, but they also put him in great danger. The Japanese military considered him a traitor, and they threatened to kill him on several occasions. But Rabe refused to abandon the refugees, and he continued to speak out against the atrocities.

In 1938, Rabe was forced to leave Nanking, but he never forgot the people he had helped. He spent the rest of his life speaking out about the Nanking Massacre, and he worked to promote peace and reconciliation between China and Japan.

Rabe's story is an inspiring testament to the power of one person to make a difference. He was a good man who risked his life to save others, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Author Biography

Iris Chang was a Chinese-American journalist and historian. She was born in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1968, and she graduated from Yale University in 1990. After working as a journalist for several years, Chang published her first book, "The Rape of Nanking," in 1997. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to raise awareness of the Nanking Massacre.

Chang's second book, "The Good Man of Nanking," was published in 2005. The book tells the story of John Rabe, a German businessman who saved thousands of Chinese civilians during the Nanking Massacre. "The Good Man of Nanking" was also a critical and commercial success, and it has been translated into more than 20 languages.

Chang died by suicide in 2004, at the age of 36. She was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disFree Download as a result of her research on the Nanking Massacre.

Chang's work has been praised for its historical accuracy, its compelling storytelling, and its ability to inspire readers. She is considered one of the most important historians of the Nanking Massacre, and her books have helped to raise awareness of this tragic event.

Reviews

"The Good Man of Nanking" has received widespread critical acclaim. Here are a few excerpts from reviews:

* "A powerful and moving story... Chang's writing is clear and concise, and her research is impeccable." - The New York Times * "A must-read for anyone interested in history, China, or human rights." - The Washington Post * "An inspiring and unforgettable story of courage and compassion." - The Chicago Tribune

Awards

"The Good Man of Nanking" has won numerous awards, including:

* The National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction * The Dayton Literary Peace Prize * The Asian American Literary Award

Legacy

John Rabe's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. In 1997, the John Rabe House Museum was opened in Nanking. The museum tells the story of Rabe's life and work, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up to injustice.

In 2007, the Chinese government awarded Rabe the posthumous title of "Righteous Among the Nations." This is the highest honor that the Chinese government can bestow on foreigners who saved Chinese lives during the Holocaust or other genocides.

Rabe's story is a powerful reminder of the power of one person to make a difference. He was a good man who risked his life to save others, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

The Good Man of Nanking: The Diaries of John Rabe

by John Rabe

4.7 out of 5